The 2018 results for the RPSB’s Big Garden Birdwatch have been released. The headlines:
- House sparrows were still top the sightings list.
- Siskin and brambling numbers were up.
- Small birds have overall increased.
- Goldfinches were seen in over two-thirds of gardens.
- Greenfinch sightings increased by 5% on last year.
- Blackbird sightings were down by 18%.
- Robin sightings were down by 12%.
- Changes could be down to a milder winter meaning more food elsehere so birds weren’t so reliant on gardens, good/bad breeding seasons and other factors.
The rankings:-
- House sparrows
- Starling
- Blue tit
- Blackbird
- Woodpigeon
- Goldfinch
- Great tit
- Robin
- Long-tailed tit
- Chaffinch
Do look at the results from the RPSB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) for more detail and explanation. And do consider participating next year. An hour of observation provides valuable information for understanding trends and guiding conservation efforts. And it’s a great excuse to just sit and enjoy your garden for an hour!