Tomorrow is last day to take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch finishes tomorrow (29 January), and is your last chance this year to count the wildlife in your garden and contribute to science’s big picture of the fortunes of our birds.

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s biggest wildlife survey, with more than 8.5 million birds being logged visiting the country’s gardens and parks. House Sparrow was last year’s number one species, with other familiar species such as Robin, Blackbird and Common Starling all appearing in the garden bird top 10.

Robin is one of the most popular species that traditionally use British gardens to boost their food and water in winter (RSPB).

RSPB Conservation Scientist Daniel Hayhow said: “This year could be a bumper weekend of sightings for some of our birds. Conditions during the breeding season were much better compared to recent years and our resident birds are likely to have been further helped by relatively kind autumn and winter weather, so keep your eyes peeled.”

With results from gardens from all corners of the UK, the RSPB can use the data collected to build up an ongoing picture of the changes in the country’s bird populations over the 38 years the survey has been running. Such information enables conservationists to decide which species to target the most with their efforts.

Some Chaffinches have had the trichomonosis parasite detected in them recently, raising fears that the species might take a similar knock in numbers as Greenfinch has in recent years (RSPB).

The RSPB is also asking people to send in details of the other wildlife seen in gardens over the last year, such as Badgers, Foxes, Grey and Red Squirrels, Common Frogs and Common Toads. This will help build an overall picture of how important gardens are for all of nature nature.

To take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2018, simply spend an hour over the weekend watching the birds in your garden, outdoor space or local park. Once you have recorded the birds that make a visit, submit your results online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

The Big Schools Birdwatch has been taking place in schools across the UK since the first week of January. Running until 23 February, it is a chance for children to put down their books and get outside to experience and learn about the nature that lives in their local community. To take part visit www.rspb.org.uk/schoolsbirdwatch.