Garden birds helped by one simple action in January

The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch ran from January 23–25 and invites volunteers to record garden birds so the charity can track population changes. By midday on January 23, organisers had reported 80,797 garden birds counted nationwide.

My modest urban backyard attracts a steady stream of wild birds and recent winter feeding has shown clear preferences for sunflower seeds and occasional fat balls. Freezing weather was expected across much of the UK, and the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch was taking place on January 23–25 to gather volunteer counts. The survey is described as a way for the RSPB to monitor changes in garden bird numbers, with identification support available from the charity. The author's hour-long count and the national tally were reported as part of that weekend's activity. Observation highlights: - Regular food preferences reported include sunflower seeds and occasional premium fat balls. - Many species are reported to use a shallow bowl of water for drinking or bathing. - In one hour the author recorded 22 birds, including 10 sparrows, 4 goldfinches, 2 blackbirds, 1 robin, 1 great tit, 2 wood pigeons, 1 dunnock, 2 carrion crows and 1 magpie. - The article notes that blackbirds and robins feed on winter ivy flowers and that blackbirds are said to favour mealworms and soft fruits. - The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch ran from January 23–25, and by midday on January 23 organisers reported 80,797 garden birds tallied nationwide. Summary: Counts collected during the RSPB event provide data the charity can use to track population patterns among garden birds. Further changes to totals were reported as likely while the weekend survey continued.