This weekend, wildlife lovers across the UK have the chance to make a real difference for nature by taking part in the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch. Running from Friday, 24 January, to Sunday, 26 January, this nationwide event invites people of all ages to spend just one hour observing and counting birds in their garden, balcony, or local park. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or completely new to it, every count matters.
Last year, over 600,000 people joined in, recording an incredible 9.7 million birds. The data collected provides vital insights into how our feathered friends are faring across the UK. With bird populations under threat – 38 million birds have vanished from UK skies in the past 60 years – your observations have never been more important.
The Big Garden Birdwatch isn’t just about spotting rare or unusual birds – it’s about taking the pulse of our garden wildlife in winter. Whether you see a flock of sparrows, a single Robin, or no birds at all, every result provides vital data that helps the RSPB track the health of bird populations.
Nature’s surprises
One of the most exciting things about birdwatching is its unpredictability. From the comfort of your home or garden, you might witness a rare sighting. During a recent Birdwatch, Fleur Willmott spotted a Black Redstart, a bird that rarely breeds in the UK. “We’ve worked hard to attract wildlife to our garden, and it’s so rewarding when new visitors appear,” Fleur says.
In another surprising encounter, one Big Garden Birdwatcher saw a Siberian Lesser Whitethroat, a rare sub-species of a Lesser Whitethroat, in their Essex garden, nibbling at their bird feeder.
Rare visitors like these highlight how every Birdwatch can bring surprises. In 2014, two schoolchildren in County Durham even spotted a Myrtle Warbler, a bird typically found in North America. Not being on their chart, they sent a photo of the bird to the RSPB who identified it for them. “We were shocked that such a rare bird would come to our normal garden,” one of the lucky birdwatchers, Emily Power, said at the time.
What to look out for
While you might not spot a Black Redstart or a Myrtle Warbler, there’s still plenty to see. Here are 10 birds you could expect to spot during this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch:
- Robin – with its bright red breast, the Robin is a winter favourite. You’ll likely hear its song even at night near streetlights.
- Blue tit – a vibrant mix of blue, yellow, and green makes the Blue Tit one of the most recognisable garden birds.
- Magpie – known for their noisy chatter, Magpies are highly adaptable and can be found in almost every habitat.
- Grey heron – these unmistakable, tall birds are often found near water but sometimes surprise garden birdwatchers.
- Waxwing – these exotic winter migrants from Scandinavia are often seen in flocks, feasting on berries.
- Great spotted woodpecker – striking in black and white, they often visit peanut feeders in larger gardens.
- Yellowhammer – the male’s bright yellow head and breast make them easy to spot in open countryside.
- Barn owl – with its heart-shaped face, the Barn Owl is a countryside icon. It’s best spotted at dusk.
- Kestrel – often seen hovering near roadside verges, Kestrels have adapted well to both rural and urban areas.
- Rook – these sociable birds are commonly spotted feeding in flocks across fields and parks.
Winter migrants
Winter is a fantastic time to spot birds that only visit the UK during colder months. Species like Redwings, Fieldfares, and Bramblings often travel from Scandinavia or Eastern Europe to escape harsher climates.
Redwings, identified by the reddish-orange patches under their wings, are sometimes seen in gardens during particularly cold spells. Similarly, Fieldfares – a type of thrush – can be spotted feeding in parks or countryside hedgerows. “A single Brambling for about 30 seconds” is one Peak District birder’s highlight from past Birdwatch events, proving that even brief sightings can be thrilling.
Will you spot a waxwing?
One bird generating excitement this year is the Waxwing. These striking birds, with their crests and colourful plumage, migrate from Scandinavia and Russia to feast on berries. Already, large flocks have been reported in northern England and Scotland this winter. Could 2025 be a record year for Waxwing sightings?
In previous Big Garden Birdwatches, Waxwings have ranked surprisingly high in the birdwatch charts during “irruption” years, when food shortages in their native habitats force them further afield. In 2013, they were the 43rd most-spotted bird, making them an exciting possibility for your list.
Why your count matters
The Big Garden Birdwatch isn’t just about rare sightings or large flocks it’s about contributing to a bigger picture. The RSPB uses this data to track long-term trends in bird populations. For example, while House Sparrows remain the most commonly spotted bird, their numbers have dropped by 60% since 1979. Meanwhile, Song Thrushes have declined by an alarming 85%. As East Anglia Bylines has reported previously, there has been a drastic reduction in songbird numbers across the UK in recent years.
Even a quiet hour can reveal important trends. Declining numbers or absent species can tell us as much as a garden brimming with activity. By contributing to this nationwide survey, you’re helping conservationists understand which birds are thriving and which might need urgent support.
So, grab a pen, a warm drink, and a comfy seat by the window this weekend. Spend an hour counting birds that land in your garden. Record the maximum number of each type you see at one time to avoid double counting. You’ll enjoy being part of the UK’s largest citizen science project. Your observations will help protect the birds that bring so much joy to our lives.
If you want to join the nearly 400,000 who have already signed up, visit the RSPB website for everything you need to know about taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.
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