Take some time out for the Big Garden Birdwatch

January 29, 2016 at 10:17 am

The most common garden bird recorded in last year's Big Garden Birdwatch was the starling. (RSPB Images) — The most common garden bird recorded in last year’s Big Garden Birdwatch was the starling. (RSPB Images)

Orkney’s garden birds are the focus of attention this weekend, with the RSPB’s 37th Big Garden Birdwatch taking place across the country.

Last year, 360 people in Orkney took part, but the organisers are hoping even more will get involved this year to help provide valuable information about the changes in numbers of birds using our gardens in winter.

People of all ages are encouraged to become involved by spending an hour watching the birds in their garden or local park, noting the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time.

All the information needed on how to take part is available at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch, along with advice on helping birds and other wildlife at home.

Local RSPB staff and volunteers will also be at Wellpark Garden Centre, in Kirkwall, on Saturday, with survey forms for anyone who would like a paper copy.

Last year, starlings took the top spot in Orkney, followed by house sparrows, blackbirds, greenfinches and rooks.

Across Scotland, the top five were house sparrows, starlings, chaffinches, blackbirds and blue tits.

Morag Wilson, from the RSPB Scotland office in Stromness, said: “You don’t have to be an ‘expert’ at all to join in — it’s a fun activity for children too, and just a great excuse to sit with a cup of tea for an hour, knowing that you’re helping to gather important information about how garden birds are doing.”