The Big Garden Birdwatch Homeschool Resource: Everything You Need To Know!

Its January and traditionally that means its the month of the Big Garden Birdwatch. I'm publishing this article early so that you have plenty of time to register your participation and get prepared.

In our homeschool we have enjoyed participating in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch each year. Its a fantastic way of being part of a nationwide citizen science project while helping out the birds in your area to survive these cold winter days.

Big Garden Birdwatch Posts From the Archives

• Big Garden Birdwatch: A Citizen Science Project (2019)
• Its Time Again For The Big Garden Birdwatch (2014)

What Is The Big Garden Birdwatch? 

Every year, people take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch by counting the birds they see in their garden.

Its been going for 45 years already! Can you believe that?

The Big Garden Birdwatch provides important data on how our garden birds are faring across the UK.

When Does It Take Place?

The Big Garden Birdwatch happens once each year over the last weekend in January.

Who Can Take Part?

Anyone! Even if you are not 'scientifically minded' this is a great way to participate and a countrywide citizen science initiative!

How Can We Take Part?

• Register on the RSPB website to take part. You will be able to download your Big Garden Birdwatch guide and tally chart. This includes a handy bird spotter identification sheet.

• All you need to do is make sure that you keep your feeders well stocked for your feathered friends. 

• Then spend just one hour watching and recording the birds in your garden or in your local green space. Then send your results to the RSPB by submitting them on their website.

Big Garden Birdwatch Resources

Don't forget to register on the RSPB's website to take part and download your bird counting pack!

Start By Getting To Know The Top Ten Birds Reported In The Big Garden Birdwatch 2024

If you are just starting out on your Big Garden Birdwatch adventure then you may want to familiarise yourself with last years top ten Big Garden Birdwatch birds. Many of these birds may already be known to you and be regular visitors to your garden, they certainly are regular visitors to my garden.

• House Sparrow
• Blue Tit
• Starling
• Woodpigeon
• Blackbird
• Robin
• Great Tit
• Goldfinch
• Magpie
• Long-tailed Tit

Prepare Your Feeders

You will want to ensure that you are feeding the birds well in advance of the Big Garden Birdwatch. Word does get round quickly but in order to have a good turnout for your count you want it to become known amongst our feathered friends that you are a reliable source of food!

• Place your bird feeders and tables in a quiet spot where the birds won't be disturbed. Dont place them too close to bushes, you may think that you are doing them a favour but you are not. Cats love to hide in shrubs and pounce on our poor unsuspecting feathered friends.
• Provide a variety of food. There are lots of different foods available but try to avoid foods that have 'fillers' such as dried peas and beans. The birds don't usually eat those.
• Dont forget to provide water, birds get thirsty and would welcome a good drink of water, especially if you have had a prolonged period of ice and snow.
• Remember to keep your feeders clean. A good clean once a week with warm soapy water is all you need. Make sure that the feeder is completely dry before refilling.

Nature Journal Your Big Garden Birdwatch Experience

The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great nature study project. You get to learn about the birds that visit your garden in preperation for the big weekend and you can create a lovely nature journal page to record your data. here are some of my own nature journal pages from previous years...