The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is back from Friday 23 January, and it’s one of the simplest ways to contribute to one of the UK’s biggest wildlife surveys.
By spending just one hour watching the birds in your garden, from a window, or local green space, you help build a national picture of how our much‑loved species are doing.
To inspire your own Birdwatch, Ranger Tony has shared the species he sees most often in his garden – and they’re all birds you might spot too.
15 regular visitors to Ranger Tony’s garden:
House sparrow
Brown, chunky and sociable; cheerful chirping; feeds in noisy groups
Starling
Dark with iridescent spots; whistles and clicks; arrives in flocks and probes lawns
Blackbird
Male black, female brown; rich melodic song; forages on lawns
Dunnock
Brown and streaky; thin, high call; feeds quietly at ground level
Wren
Tiny and round; surprisingly loud song; hops quickly through shrubs
Robin
Red breast and upright stance; clear, sweet song; bold and territorial
Collared dove
Pale with a black neck ring; soft three‑note coo; feeds on seed and grain
Wood pigeon
Large grey body; five‑note cooing; feeds on plants and spilt seed
Blue tit
Blue, yellow and very active; high‑pitched calls; regular at feeders and nest boxes
Great tit
Larger with bold black stripe; two‑note “teacher‑teacher” call; assertive at feeders
Long‑tailed tit
Tiny with long tail; soft contact calls; travels in family flocks
Carrion crow
Large black bird; harsh caw; highly intelligent and adaptable
Great spotted woodpecker
Black, white and red; distinctive drumming; visits peanut feeders
Nuthatch
Blue‑grey with chestnut sides; loud piping call; climbs down trunks head‑first
Sparrowhawk
Slim bird of prey; generally silent; brief hunting flights through gardens
These species are common across much of the UK, so whether you’re watching from a window or strolling through a park, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter several of them.
Tips for birdwatching in your garden or local park
A few simple habits can make your Birdwatch hour more enjoyable and more productive.
Make yourself comfortable
Choose a spot where you can sit quietly without disturbing the birds. A window seat, a sheltered corner of the garden, or a bench in a park all work well.
Ranger Tony’s visiting sparrowhawk
Bring binoculars if you have them
They’re not essential, but they help you pick out details like markings and behaviour.
Watch behaviour as much as appearance
Some birds look similar, but their behaviour gives them away – dunnocks skulk low, blue tits dart energetically, and long‑tailed tits move in tight family groups.
Keep feeders topped up and clean
If you’re watching from home, a mix of seeds, suet and peanuts can attract a wider range of species. Fresh water is just as important.
Stay still and patient
Birds often return once they realise you’re not a threat. A quiet five minutes can suddenly turn into a flurry of activity.
Use your ears
Calls and songs are often the first clue that a bird is nearby. Even if you can’t identify them all, listening helps you notice more.
How to take part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch
Taking part is simple:
- Pick any hour over the Birdwatch weekend.
- Count the highest number of each species you see at one time – this avoids double‑counting.
- Submit your results on the RSPB website.
