The RSPB’s Harry Bellew reveals why he’s looking forward to his first Big Garden Birdwatch.
“Glancing out of my window this morning it was hard not to enjoy the hive of activity at the freshly topped up garden feeders. Although if someone had told me a year ago I’d be enjoying the sight of a mass of Starlings, Blue Tits and House Sparrows meeting for an early bite to eat at the garden bird feeders I might have laughed at you.
This was because last year I was a stressed out student in the middle of my final year dissertation unable to comprehend anything past my next deadline. Fast forward to today, six months into my first job at the RSPB and I find myself feeling a twinge of excitement ahead of taking part in my very first Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.
I now know that with the cold weather setting in it making it hard for garden birds to find food, so now is the time to top up those garden feeders with high energy treats. Not only does it help birds but it’s a compelling spectacle to witness all the different types and sizes of birds that will begin to visit your garden.
So, I currently have my fingers crossed that my first RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch will treat me well and that I’ll have a busy hour of counting the wildlife that visits my garden.
I’m hoping to win one over on my bird watching colleagues by having a Coal Tit, Brambling or even Song Thrush stop for a feed, so wish me luck.
It’s not too late to join in either; just spend one hour over the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend (January 24 & 25) in an outdoor space counting the number of each bird species that you see. Then simple submit your results to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
You’ll be one of half-a-million citizen scientists taking part in the world’s biggest wildlife survey, so you won’t be alone.”