THE Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's largest garden wildlife survey and Salisbury residents can take part in January.
In 2023, more than half a million people took part counting more than nine million birds.
Thirty-eight million birds have been lost from the UK in the last 60 years and the figures provide a vital snapshot of the state of UK wildlife.
Last year, House Sparrows took the top spot but the numbers counted were down by 57 per cent compared to the first Birdwatch which took place in 1979.
The top five bird species counted in 2023 counted were:
- House Sparrows,
- Blue Tits,
- Starlings,
- Woodpigeon,
- Blackbirds.
The event runs from Friday, January 26 to Sunday, January 28 and participants choose an hour whether in the garden, on the balcony, or at a local park to count all the birds they see. Submit the numbers and the RSPB does the rest.
The event is suitable for the whole family.
Participants can receive a free guide through the post or sign up online at rspb.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here