Back in 1979, amidst a struggling economy and severe winter, something great was born with 30,000 children taking part in the RSPB’s first Big Garden Birdwatch. Thirty years on … oh, and amidst another struggling economy and cold winter! … over half a million people enjoyed taking part in the RSPB’s 30th Big Garden Birdwatch!
This fantastically popular event has not only spread a little happiness by encouraging people to enjoy watching the birds in their garden, but it has also demonstrated that our feeding and bird care can have a really positive impact.
The recently published results show that all but one of the top ten birds seen in people’s gardens has increased slightly since last year. And, for the first time, the long-tailed tit has flitted into the top ten. Long-tailed tits are a little noisy, have tails bigger than their bodies and are very sociable birds often seen in flocks of twenty or so. This year they were seen in over 30% of gardens and increased by an amazing 88% from last year’s count. We believe its improved numbers are because this insect-eating bird has adapted to feeding on seeds and peanuts at bird tables and from hanging feeders.
The top ten birds seen in this year’s 2009 Big Garden Birdwatch were :
- House sparrow
- Starling
- Blackbird
- Blue tit
- Chaffinch
- Woodpigeon
- Collared dove
- Great tit
- Robin
- Long-tailed tit
For more information and results visit: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/results
Help Protect Birds and Their Habitat with an RSPB Membership
To help garden birds and wildlife further, why not join the RSPB this Easter or give a membership as a great charity gift and enjoy FREE entry to over 100 nature reserves. Join online by 14 May 2009 and you’ll also be automatically entered into our free prize draw (no purchase necessary) to win a digital SLR camera and copy of the RSPB Guide to Digital Wildlife Photography!
