Big Garden Bird Watch: Spotting Nature's Feathery Friends with Spotty Otter
Posted by Spotty Otter on 15th Jan 2025
The Big Garden Bird Watch is the perfect opportunity to pause, look out into your garden or local green space, and connect with the incredible wildlife around us. This nationwide event, organized by the RSPB, invites families to spend one hour observing and recording the birds they see. It's a fantastic way to get outdoors, learn about nature, and contribute to important wildlife conservation efforts!
Here’s everything you need to know to get started:
When Is the Big Garden Bird Watch?
This year, the Big Garden Bird Watch takes place from Friday, 24th January to Sunday, 26th January 2024. Pick any hour during this weekend to observe and record the birdlife in your area!
Why Join In?
The Big Garden Bird Watch is more than just bird spotting; it’s a vital citizen science project. By sharing your results, you’re helping the RSPB monitor bird populations and identify species in need of support. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to slow down, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature with the whole family.
Get the Kids Involved
Children love spotting birds, especially when it turns into a game. Give them a checklist of common garden birds like robins, blue tits, blackbirds, and sparrows. You can even turn it into a fun competition to see who can spot the most birds!
Spotty Otter Gear for Cosy Bird Watching
January mornings can be chilly, but that’s no reason to stay indoors! Wrap up in your Spotty Otter waterproofs, bobble hats, and waterproof mittens. Whether you're peering out the window or braving the garden, staying warm and dry is key to enjoying the experience.
Tips for Attracting Birds
- Set Up Feeders: Fill bird feeders with seeds, peanuts, or fat balls. Place them where you can easily see them but away from potential predators.
- Provide Fresh Water: A shallow dish of water can be a lifeline for birds, especially in frosty weather.
- Create a Welcoming Habitat: Leave areas of your garden wild with shrubs or hedges where birds can shelter.
Spotty Otter Nature Club
Looking for more ways to connect with nature? Join the Spotty Otter Nature Club for a whole 12 months of nature-led content available to download for free!
When you join, you’ll gain access to fantastic bird-watching printables, fun activities, and so much more to help inspire your little ones to explore the natural world. It’s completely free—sign up today and dive into a year of nature-filled adventures!
Click here to join the Spotty Otter Nature Club
Record Your Findings
Use the RSPB’s online form or print out their checklist to log the birds you see during 26th–28th January 2024. Don’t worry if you can’t identify every species—every count matters!
Share Your Adventure
Don’t forget to share your Big Garden Bird Watch experience with us! Tag @spottyotter in your bird-watching photos, and show us how you’re making the most of the great outdoors.
The Big Garden Bird Watch is a brilliant way to spend time as a family, embrace nature, and support an important cause. Let’s all do our bit to protect the feathered friends that bring so much joy to our gardens. Happy bird watching!