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The 2025 RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, billed as the UKs oldest and largest citizen science wildlife surveys, took place on 24-26th January. Over 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting a whopping 9.7 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact surveys show that we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. 4Bs contribution to RSPB Birdwatch Survey We encouraged residents in the 4Bs to spend just one hour to count the birds on their patch and contribute to the survey and share their results in the WhatsApp Nature Group or via email. 32 species of bird were reported by the 16 contributors to the 4Bs survey (Table 1). The three species with the largest head counts in the survey are 1 = Blue Tit (65), 2 = Sparrow (39), 3 = Wood Pigeon (35). 13 species had a head count of less than 5. The most abundant species in the 4B count are similar to this found in Surrey, where the most abundant birds are 1 = Blue Tit, 2 = Wood Pigeon, 3= Sparrow and the national survey, where the most abundant birds are 1= Sparrow, 2= Blue Tit and 3= Wood Pigeon. 
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Glenn Carmichael (Leader of the Dorking and District branch of the RSPB), provided an excellent illustrated talk of the Wild Birds of the 4Bs. It was the perfect introduction to the RSPB Big Garden Bird watch. Glenn spok with passion and humour and in spite of the poor weather, 40 residents of the 4Bs turned up and greatly appreciated his talk. You can download Glenn's slides and view a recording of his talk below.  Glenn's Poerpoint slides
Video recording of Glenn Carmichael's talk
 The Big Picture The phenomenon of bird migration and the question of where our birds go during the winter months has fascinated people since the earliest times. Early theories included suggestions that Barn Swallows buried themselves in the mud at the bottom of ponds, that Barnacle Geese emerged from barnacles, that Redstarts transformed into Robins or that White Storks wintered on the moon! For more than a century, ornithologists and biologists have attempted to answer these questions using increasingly sophisticated methodology (e.g. observations, bird ringing, radar, radio-tracking, isotope analysis), which has improved our knowledge and understanding of the migration ecology of many of our resident and migrant species significantly. Map showing Common migratory routes through the western palearctic. The UK lies along the East Atlantic Flyway, one of the major migratory routes for birds traveling between northern Europe and Africa. Every year, millions of birds embark on incredible journeys, traveling thousands of miles from their breeding grounds in the UK to warmer climates for the winter, and returning in the spring. Similarly, breeding birds from higher latitudes in Scandinavia and the high arctic arrive on our shores in the winter months to escape harsh climates and to take advantage of the plentiful food resources along our coastlines and within our wetlands, woodlands, hedgerows, scrub and gardens. Bird migration is one of nature’s most remarkable phenomena, and the UK plays a vital role in this process as both a stopover location, breeding ground and wintering ground. As changes in daylength and temperature occur in spring and autumn, many species begin their journeys, some by day and some by night. Birds instinctively navigate across vast distances, using a combination of the stars, the sun, visual landmarks and the Earth’s magnetic field to find their way. The success of these journeys is dependent on a wide variety of environmental and physiological factors including temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction, body weight and condition, as well as flight speed and altitude.
 Adaptation for Migration Birds exhibit a wealth of adaptations to make these long-distance flights more efficient. This includes a lightweight skeleton comprising hollow air-filled bones, large flight muscles and feathers. Prior to take off, adaptations also include rapid fuel deposition in the form of fat within their tissues, achieved via increasing the amount of time spent feeding and altering the size of their liver and digestive tracts. For example, the Garden Warbler, a trans-Saharan migrant, can increase its body mass from 18g in the summer and winter months to a maximum of more than 37g shortly before setting out over the desert in autumn or spring. For the flights themselves, birds exhibit an ability to increase the size of the flight muscles and heart as well as subsequently reducing the size of digestive organs. These changes in body structure and composition at migration times are some of the most rapid and striking in the animal Kingdom. Incredible Journeys The longest of all bird migrations are performed by seabirds, most notably the Arctic Tern (right), some individuals of which migrate each year between Arctic and Antarctic waters, giving return journeys of more than 30,000km. In the process, these terns experience more daylight than any other organism as they shuttle between the continuous daylight of the northern and southern summers.  One of the most impressive migrations (confirmed via radio-tracking data) undertaken by any bird is that of the Bar-tailed godwit (right), which has been recorded migrating 10,400km over sea from Alaska to New Zealand in the space of approximately 175 hours (7.3 days), giving a mean speed of 1,512 km per 24-hour day (or 63 km per hour). This is the longest and fastest over-water flight known from any land-bird species, during which an individual will lose around half of their initial body weight over the journey. Some of Our Winter Visitors to the UK https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2025/01/british-winter-birds/   The Thrill of Birdwatching For bird enthusiasts and professional ornithologists alike, migration season is an exciting time. Autumn and spring bring a flurry of activity, as migrating birds pass through, sometimes in huge flocks. Birdwatching hotspots across the UK, like Spurn, the Norfolk coast, and Isles of Scilly offer excellent opportunities to witness this incredible phenomenon. Bird observatories are strategically positioned around the coasts of the British Isles (see photo) which enable us to record detailed migration data. This plays a vital role in informing population trends and directing conservation efforts. Whether you're spotting rare species or simply enjoying the sight of flocks flying overhead, bird migration offers a chance to connect with nature in a profound way. The adjacent map shows the location of bird observatories in the UK. Conservation Efforts Understanding bird migration is not just about marvelling at nature’s wonders; it’s also a reminder of the importance of preserving the habitats that these birds depend on. Many migratory species face numerous threats during their journeys, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, and human activities. Conservation efforts to enhance habitat condition and connectivity, while reducing threats from hunting and pollution are crucial to ensuring that these incredible journeys continue for generations to come. Through citizen science projects and research, we gain a better understanding of how these species navigate and what challenges they face. The British Trust for Ornithology’s (BTO) bird ringing scheme (https://www.bto.org/our-science/projects/bird-ringing-scheme) has been responsible for a wealth of knowledge gained in the last century on migration of birds to and from the British Isles.  The Big Garden Birdwatch, organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), is the largest citizen science project of its kind in the world and provides a great opportunity for members of the 4B’s community to contribute to bettering our understanding of how both our resident birds and winter migrants are faring. Residents can be on the lookout for all the usual garden visitors as well as winter thrushes like Redwings and Fieldfares. A number of warblers such as the Chiffchaff and Blackcap may also be seen, which in recent years have begun overwintering in the UK. In exceptional ‘Irruption’ years, similar to that of 2023, species like the Waxwing may also arrive in the UK in large numbers, usually as a result of low food availability in northern Europe. This year has seen an influx of Hawfinches from the continent, particularly in the south-east of England so this is another species to keep an eye out for when out locally. ‘Across the UK, over 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting a whopping 9.7 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it’s more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do – or don’t – count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.’ Spend an hour counting birds in your garden between 24-26 January 2025. You can sign up via this link: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch  Some links to examples of other research projects actively monitoring bird migration are provided below, where you can track the location of individual birds in real time along their migration routes. https://www.bto.org/cuckoos - BTO Cuckoo tracking project.  A Global Journey Bird migration is a reminder of the interconnectedness of our world. Birds that migrate across continents are not just crossing borders but connecting ecosystems, carrying vital roles in pollination, seed dispersal, and maintaining ecological balance. Their journeys highlight the importance of collaboration in conserving migratory species and their habitats on both a local and international scale. Did you know that humans have to teach birds to migrate if they have been hatched and reared by humans https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xyzl04z_RLU Bird migration across Africa and Eurasia If you are resident of Betchworth, Buckland, Brockham or Boxhill dont miss our 4Bs wild bird talk and walk    The simple answer to the question of how we attract and care for the wild birds in our garden, is to provide them with the things they need – safe habitats, food, water and shelter. In short, the opportunities they need to flourish. But different species have different needs. This article amalgamates extracts from several articles (sources listed at the end) to provide a basic introduction to how we can attract and care for our wild birds.  Birds are wonderful visitors to have in your garden – they’re relaxing to watch, can help rid your lawn of weeds, are brilliant at eating pests and can also help with flower pollination. Here are 4 ways to encourage birds to come and visit your patch. 1. Set up some bird feeders One of the best ways to encourage birds to visit has got to be by installing some bird feeders in your garden. There is a wealth of different bird feeds available to attract different bird species, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to attracting them to your garden. By providing a variety of feeding sites, you can attract a wider range of birds into your garden. Seed feeders You want to make sure every bird in your garden - from small birds like Robins and Blue Tits to larger birds like Woodpeckers and Blackbirds - gets the right kind of energy-rich bird food they need. A seed feeder can attract many different species to your garden, including sparrows, tits, finches and Siskins. Available with plastic or metal fittings, they come in a wide variety of sizes and styles and are suitable for sunflower seeds, sunflower hearts or any free-flowing feeder seed mix. Metal fittings usually last longer than plastic and they are more resistant to squirrel damage. Look for RSPB Ultimate feeders. For nyjer seed you need a specially designed feeder as this seed is smaller than other bird food. These special feeders have very small holes or slits instead of the standard feeding ports, which helps prevent too much seed from being wasted. For even less waste you can add a seed tray to your seed feeders. It catches dropped seed and provides extra perching space. Be aware though, that if you wish to attract smaller birds, seed trays are an inviting place for larger birds. Suet pellet & peanut feeders Ideal for suet pellets and peanuts, suet pellet and peanut feeders are often popular with tits, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches and other species that cling. The only safe method of offering peanuts to wild birds are feeders made from steel mesh. The mesh size needs to be large enough to prevent beak damage and small enough to prevent large pieces of nut from being removed – about 6 mm is a good compromise. These feeders can also be used to feed suet pellets, which are a great alternative to peanuts. Suet feeders Suet feeders come in many shapes and sizes. Some are suitable for suet balls, others for suet cakes. Some are multi-purpose and can be used for either balls or cakes. These feeders are typically made from a wide metal mesh, which holds the suet and provides birds with something to cling to while feeding. Suet feeders are particularly popular with members of the tit family and starlings. Food for wild birds Providing a range of different nutritious foods is essential to attracting a variety of birds to your garden. Some of the foods available include:
You may have to wait a little while before the birds come to visit your feeder, but once they know it’s there, it’s highly likely they will return. Ensure you keep it regularly topped up and place it somewhere safe, where birds can spot any immediate signs of danger. This is ideally near to a tall hedge or tree which can provide cover. Avoid low cover as cats can ambush birds this way. It's also worth thinking about having more than one feeding station, to attract different species. If you a have tree in your garden it's a great option to hang some bird feeders from its branches, or you could choose a freestanding feeder if not. Some birds like to feed from the ground, such as blackbirds and chaffinches, so you could provide them with a ground feeding tray.  2. Provide fresh water Water is of course vital for birds’ survival, as they need it for drinking and bathing. So, providing them with a fresh, clean water source is a great way to entice them into your garden. You could place a bird bath in your garden or even putting a bowl of water out will suffice. Place it somewhere shaded and where birds can have a good view of potential predators. Water is best kept in a shallow container, no deeper than two inches. Refresh it as often as you can and remove any ice during the winter. 3. Give birds somewhere to nest Another great way to encourage birds to your garden is by providing them with somewhere safe and secure to nest. Adding a few nesting boxes in sheltered areas of your garden, away from potential predators, is the best way to do this. Don’t put your nesting box in direct sunlight or where it will be prone to strong winds – somewhere between north- and east-facing is best. There are a few different nesting boxes available, depending on the species of birds you’d like to attract, including:
4. Plant some bird-friendly plants Create an oasis for birds in your own back garden by planting a variety of bird-friendly plants, trees and shrubs. These will help to provide further shelter and nesting sites, as well as a natural food source. Berry-rich trees and shrubs like rowan, hawthorn, guelder rose and holly are all great natural food sources and also help to provide shelter. Plants with an abundance of seeds are another great choice, such as teasels or sunflowers. Ivy and honeysuckle are also popular with birds – they provide dense cover, fruits and attract insects for birds to feast on. Another option is to plant some wildflowers to attract the insects that birds love to feed on. That way you can supply birds with food while filling your garden with gorgeous flower displays. Follow these simple tips and you’re sure to have a flurry of feathered friends visiting your garden in no time. By providing them with the food, shelter and water they need, you can help conserve species and reverse the trends around declining populations.
Hygiene is important! Whatever you feed birds with, good hygiene around feeders and bird baths is important all year round, but particularly so during the summer months. The warm weather can make bird food go off more quickly and can provide ideal conditions for harmful bacteria to proliferate. Salmonella is present at a low level in wild bird populations, and poor hygiene at feeding stations can fuel a local outbreak. Greenfinches and house sparrows are most susceptible to this infection, which is transmitted by droppings from an infected bird. It’s important to clean feeders regularly, and to always exercise sensible hygienic care: clean the feeders outdoors, keep separate brushes for the purpose, wear gloves and wash hands after finishing the job. Keeping unwanted visitors away
Grey Squirrels are well known for being greedy and persistent pests in our gardens and can quickly infest a bird feeding station. Attaching a Squirrel Baffle to bird feeding station poles will help prevent these them from climbing up the pole and accessing the bird food. Ensure first that the pole is positioned at least 3m (10ft) away from trees and fences so that the squirrels can’t jump onto it. A wide range of Squirrel Proof Feeders are available to suit all budgets and types of gardens. Caged Bird Feeders come in a variety of attractive designs and are effective at keeping out adult squirrels as well as larger birds including peanut plundering Parakeets. Pigeons and Crows often like to plunder bird seed left on the ground for the smaller ground-feeding birds. To help prevent this make use of the specially designed cages or guards, which helps to protect the food laid out and makes sure it ends up in the right mouths. Rats are attracted to bird feeding stations. Keeping the ground around bird feeders and bird feeding stations clean and free of excess bird food is key; food left on the ground at the end of the day will be the first thing to attract them. Some bird feeders come with integral Seed Catcher Trays or you could make your own to attach to the bottom of feeders and prevent any discarded or spilled seeds from falling to the ground. Sources How to attract birds to your garden https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2020/07/attract-birds-to-your-garden/ Bird Feeders Buying Guide RSPB https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/buying-guides/buying-guide-bird-feeders-pgbirdfeeders |
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