Big Garden BirdWatch

Julie wrote an item for our December Newsletter about the BGBW. But just in case you missed it here it is again. Don’t forget to take part. Also we will be at Millbrook Garden Centre over that weekend encouraging shoppers to do a birdwatch at Millbrooks! Join us.

 

 

 

 

RSPB Big Garden BirdwatchJulie Peeling

 

25^th-26^th January 2014

“As I write this, we are four weeks away from this annual event, so I thought it would be an appropriate time, before you all get busy over the Christmas period, to remind you that it’s not that far away.

Several hundred thousand people have joined in, in the past, and it is hoped by the RSPB, that 2014’s participation will exceed this. It’s your opportunity to really get involved in some “citizen science”, that can only benefit the natural world. The data collected is analysed by professional researchers who can then report, not only on how our garden birds are faring, but also on the health of our own environment. This is something that is vital to us all!

It means a small sacrifice of time on your behalf. All you need to do is to count the birds that enter your garden,(or green space) over a period of an hour, over the weekend of the 25^th/26^th of January.

Details of how to record are available on the RSPB website, closer to the date, and this year I have been reliably informed that smart phones and tablets can be used to do your recording! How things have changed! In this coming year’s bird-watch event, there’s also going to be the opportunity to record non-avian species such as hedgehog, badger, grey and red squirrel, roe and muntjac deer, frogs and toads! Obviously, this will not be done over the same hour, as many species will be in hibernation or less obvious over the winter period. Keep a lookout on the main RSPB website to see how you can help.

Just to add. The bird-watch is a fun thing to do. If you get the chance to include children, neighbours, friends and relatives, it’s a great way getting involved in nature and to learn a little about the natural world together.

I hope you have a good Big Garden Bird-Watch. As usual, the results are published in March. And, a little tip, if no birds show up on the day, this information is just as important, so please send it in.”

Malcolm