Big Garden Birdwatch

[Tringa]

I think that anyone who has taken part in the Big Garden Birdwatch will probably interpret the instructions correctly(though I was confused), but the BGB website has the following instructions -

"Simply make a note of the highest number of each bird species seen on the ground (not flying over) at any one time, ....."

If you know anyone who has not done the BGB before it may be worthwhile to tell them that the above does not mean only birds on the ground can be counted.

The following is a reply I received from the RSPB earlier today

Hello Dave, thank you for your email.

Any species which lands in your garden on the ground, trees or feeders
during the hour can be counted. Those that are flying over the garden
and don't actually land shouldn't be recorded. We will consider
rewording this for next year to clarify the method.

I hope you enjoy your survey.

Best wishes


Richard James
Wildlife Advisor
RSPB UK HQ
The Lodge, Sandy, Beds, England
SG19 2DL
01767 693690
The RSPB

Dave

[Kayleigh]

Been doing this for years I never had a problem interpreting the rules but others might so thanks for making it more clear.

[Wild-Woman]

Easy to do, nice hours sit down, tea, bikkies and watch the birdies. Do it, it's fun.

[Kayleigh]

You can print off a sheet to help with the ticking off from the RSPB site I just write what birds I know I get then put the number next to the bird.

[actionfinch]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

Easy to do, nice hours sit down, tea, bikkies and watch the birdies. Do it, it's fun.

I couldnt agree more..lucky im on an early shift tomoz , it always falls on when im working the weekend..

[geezer1]

The kids have got pens,paper all set out for the watch. Lets hope the birds that have been scoffing the bird food all week in the garden don't decide to go all shy tomorrow.

[willowjay]

It's really worth organising the household! Send them all out to 'do' something for an hour - otherwise you'll get shed-door-banging, wheelie-bin-filling-up, an important bit of digging that could be left for later/next day/next weekend, and even (heaven forbid) mowing ... (my husband refuses to believe that you don't actually need to mow in January)

just fill up the feeders, get everyone out of the garden, and enjoy a (hopefully) quiet hour with our delightful garden birds.

[Equinox]

Just finished doing mine.All the regulars turned up,probably due to the cold night.

[Tringa]

Just seen that the RSPB change the wording in their information about the BGB.

It now says -

Simply make a note of the highest number of each bird species seen in your garden or park (not flying over it) ....

I wonder when they changed it.

Dave