Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 updates — RSPB’s wildlife survey underway as over 8,500 birds counted & top counties revealed
THE 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch is fully underway as thousands begin to take part in the RSPB's wildlife survey.
Over 80,000 birds have currently been counted with the House Sparrow currently coming out on top.
Over the course of two days, more than half a million people are expected to take part in the conservation effort.
The Big Garden Bird watch will end this Sunday and the results will show whether species are struggling, or - hopefully - recovering.
Read our live blog below for the latest news and updates...
The counter keeps rising
As the day goes on thousands more are taking part in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch.
As things stand, almost 275,000 have been counted and it's sure to rise by the end of the day.
The House Sparrow is still nesting at the top of the leaderboard with 39,000 sightings so far.
How to attract birds during the Big Garden Birdwatch
You may find that birds aren’t flocking to your garden during today’s Big Birdwatch.
Well, fear not, here are some handy ways to attract some different species of birds, courtesy of the RSPB:
- Blackbirds – Feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods including mealworms.
- Blue Tits and Great Tits will both eat from a feeder and love seeds and nuts.
- Finches are happy to eat from a feeder or a bird table and especially love sunflower hearts.
Always make sure to clean your feeders and bird tables to help avoid disease and dirt buildup.
RSPB calls on Brits to support local wildlife
Looking back on last year's Big Garden Birdwatch, the RSPB called on Brits to support the country's birds.
They said, "Across the UK, over half a million people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2023, counting a whopping 9.1 million birds!
"House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 57% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years.
"With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring."
Where to put your bird feeder?
It might seem like you can simply place bird feeders anywhere outside, but placement is crucial if you wish to attract them.
Here is the RSPB's advice:
- Quiet – where birds won't be disturbed.
- Safe – not too close to bushes where predators could hide in wait, but close enough to cover that birds can easily dart to and from. Birds like to have a view all around them while feeding.
- Sheltered from harsh winds.
Schools join in
Williamston Primary in West Lothian is taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch today.
Taking to X, they wrote, "P5H enjoyed taking part in the @RSPBScotland Big Garden Bird Watch this morning.
"We were surprised to see so many birds around our school!"
The stats so far...
Over 164,000 birds have been catalogued so far this afternoon, with the House Sparrow leading the way as the most-spotted bird.
Lancashire residents lead the way as they come together to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2024.
Remember, the BGBW will be available until Sunday, so you still have plenty of time to join.
Credit: PA Wire How to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch
It's really easy to join in the national bird count and here’s how:
- Visit the RSPB website to get your free guide and stock up on supplies, with 15 per cent off and free delivery on food and feeders at the RSPB shop.
- Spend an hour watching the birds in your patch, between January 26 and January 28, and record the birds that land.
- Tell the RSPB what you saw (even if it’s nothing at all) - you can do this online or via post.
The most spotted birds in 2023
Similarly to this year's Big Garden Birdwatch, the House Sparrow topped the table during the 2023 event.
It was the only bird species to pass one million sightings, with the Blue Tit coming in with 500,000 fewer reports.
Check out last year's leaderboard curiosity of the RSPB:
Add a competitive edge to your Big Garden Birdwatch
If simply enjoying your local wildlife isn't enough for you to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, you are in luck.
The RSPB has shared the BGBW Bingo card, which challenges you to spot as many bird species as possible.
You can find it below:
Almost 80,000 birds and counting
Brits continue to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch this afternoon, with almost 80,000 already counted according to the RSPB.
The House Sparrow is still comfortably the most spotted bird of the day so far.
Meanwhile, Lancashire has shot to the top of the county leaderboard.
Credit: rspb How to make your own birdbath
The RSPB has provided some tips on making your own birdbath at home just in time for the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch.
They said:
- Try an old dinner plate or breakfast bowl – anything shallow that holds water will do.
- Large plant pot trays work well.
- Add a shallow or sloping area to a pond.
- Use a water feature or fountain.
How to attract birds during the Big Garden Birdwatch
You may find that birds aren't flocking to your garden during today's Big Birdwatch.
Well, fear not, here are some handy ways to attract some different species of birds, courtesy of the RSPB:
- Blackbirds - Feed on the ground and will eat a broad range of foods including mealworms.
- Blue Tits and Great Tits will both eat from a feeder and love seeds and nuts.
- Finches are happy to eat from a feeder or a bird table and especially love sunflower hearts.
Always make sure to clean your feeders and bird tables to help avoid disease and dirt buildup.
38million birds lost in 60 years
The UK has lost approximately 38million birds in the last 60 years, the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) reports.
Several factors have led to this, from climate change to building and the cutting down of trees.
The Big Garden Birdwatch is a great chance to aid conservation efforts as the country looks to restore its bird population.
Over 28,000 birds and counting
Over 28,000 birds have already been spotted in the 2024 Big Garden Birdwatch.
The House Sparrow is still sitting atop the leaderboard, with over 4,000 recorded already.
Credit: RSPB Brits flood social media with their findings
Birdwatchers have flooded social media with their findings this morning, as this year's census gets underway.
One X user wrote, "A great way to enjoy nature. I'm hoping my woodpecker makes an appearance and the pair of jays that have been visiting recently."
While another added, "It’s one of my favourite weekends - the Natures_Voice #BigGardenBirdwatch.
"Sit down with a cuppa, get the family involved and start ticking off those birdies - a great way to help nature and get to know your local wildlife."
Credit: AP Photo
When does the Big Garden Birdwatch end?
The Big Garden Birdwatch lasts two full days, so you still have loads of time to take part.
The census began this morning (January 26) and will end on Sunday, January 28.
Remember, you only need to spend an hour counting the birds on your patch.
The Big Garden Birdwatch explained
The Big Garden Birdwatch is the RSPB's annual census of birds across the UK.
Numbers of native birds have plummeted in recent decades, with building developments and climate change impacting species that have lived in Britain for thousands of years, warns the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
So every year, the organisation calls on Brits to count as many birds as they can in one hour.
This helps us know if the number of our winged friends is going up or down.
Catch the Big Garden Birdwatch LIVE
You can keep up with the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch through its livestream.
From there you'll be able to see live footage of the Nature's Voice feeder cams.
Just follow the link below:
Surrey out in front
Surrey residents have been out in force this morning recording as many birds as they can.
The county currently sits atop RSPB's leaderboard, closely followed by Essex and Yorkshire, West Riding.
How to take part
Taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch is pretty simple.
Firstly choose a one-hour slot between the 26 and 28 of January.
Then you want to make sure you are only recording the birds on your patch.
From there simply record the number of birds you see of each species during that one-hour period.
, or by post.
Easy!
House Sparrow leads the way
It's early doors but the House Sparrow is already the most catalogued species of this year's Big Garden Birdwatch.
It is closely followed by the Blue Tit and the Starling.
Which bird are you looking forward to seeing?
Big Garden Birdwatch starts TODAY
Today marks the beginning of the 2024 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.
Marking the UK's largest animal survey, thousands of Brits will come together in an effort to catalogue the UK's winged wildlife.
Over 14,000 birds have already been counted!
