The Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual event organized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the UK. It’s the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, engaging hundreds of thousands of people in citizen science. Participants spend one hour counting the birds they see in their gardens, balconies, or local parks, contributing valuable data that helps scientists track bird populations and inform conservation efforts.
How to Get Involved in Big Garden Birdwatch
Participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch is easy and free. You don’t need to be an RSPB member or have any special equipment. Here’s how you can take part:
- Choose an hour: Select any hour between the specified dates (typically a weekend in late January). The 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch takes place from Friday, January 24th to Sunday, January 26th.
- Count the birds: Observe and identify the birds that land in your chosen BGBW location. It’s important to only count birds that land within your designated area, not those flying overhead. If you are part of a group, submit only one set of results per location. You can conduct birdwatches from multiple locations but only submit one set of results per location. Read here for exact counting method.
- Record your findings: Keep track of the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time during your hour of observation. The RSPB offers a free guide and ID chart online which can be downloaded or you can register to receive a printed copy in the mail (avoid wasting resources and rather use the Birda app to record your RSPB Birdwatch sightings).
- Submit your results: Share your counts with the RSPB online or by post. Even if you don’t see any birds, it’s important to report your findings.
How the Data from Bird Garden Birdwatch Used?
The data collected from the Big Garden Birdwatch provides a snapshot of bird populations across the UK. This information helps the RSPB:
- Track changes in bird populations: By comparing results year after year, scientists can identify long-term trends and determine which species are thriving and which are struggling.
- Inform conservation efforts: Data from the survey helps inform conservation policies and strategies, guiding efforts to protect birds and their habitats. The survey has historically helped highlight declining species like the song thrush, enabling targeted conservation actions.
- Understand environmental factors: The Big Garden Birdwatch can reveal the impact of factors such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease on bird populations.
The Ground-breaking Science of Big Garden Birdwatch
The Big Garden Birdwatch stands out as a ground-breaking initiative from a scientific perspective for several reasons:
- Citizen science: The project engages hundreds of thousands of volunteers in scientific data collection, significantly expanding the scale and reach of bird population monitoring.
- Long-term data set: The survey has been running since 1979, creating a valuable long-term dataset that allows for the analysis of population trends over several decades. This extended timeframe allows for changes to be monitored more effectively. Initially the project was aimed at young RSPB members however since 2001 adults have been involved.
- Snapshot in time: It is conducted at the same time every year (see when it will be held next). This is to facilitate comparisons of the data with previous years and account for seasonal differences in bird numbers.
- Accessibility: The survey is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their birdwatching experience. This inclusivity makes it a powerful tool for gathering widespread data.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is more than just a bird count; it’s a vital contribution to bird conservation and a testament to the power of citizen science. By participating, you can help protect these wonderful creatures and contribute to a better understanding of the natural world.
Learn why the event started and why the Garden Birdwatch is held January.
