Yorkshire Coast residents urged to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch
People on the Yorkshire Coast are being asked to take part in the world's largest wildlife survey this weekend.
People on the Yorkshire Coast are being asked to take part in the world's largest wildlife survey this weekend.
The RSPB is holding its Big Garden Birdwatch which has happened every year for 42 years.
People are being asked to spend an hour of their time recording the birds that land as seen from their windows, balconies or gardens, and submitting their results to the wildlife charity.
Both across the country and on the Yorkshire Coast, house sparrows topped the rankings in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch results last year, despite wider national decline.
In East Yorkshire, starlings and blackbirds joined the house sparrows to form the top three most sighted birds. Other birds featuring in the top 10 were robins and goldfinches.
The RSPB says seeing a positive change across the region, long-tailed tits were found in 10% more East Yorkshire gardens in 2020 compared to previous years. The birds, with distinctive pink grey and white feathers and long tail, are usually found in large flocks of up to 20 birds and often make use of garden feeders throughout the winter.
In North Yorkshire, starlings, blackbirds and house sparrows formed the top three most sighted birds. Other birds in the top 10 featured goldfinches, robin and long-tailed tits.
Across the county, long-tailed tits were found in over 30% more gardens in 2020 compared to previous years.
The RSPB says blue tits are on the rise across the country and are a common garden bird thanks to the provision of winter food and nest boxes, with an 8% increase in the population since 1979.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said:
“We know that for many people, garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy. Lockdown brought few benefits, but the last year has either started or reignited a love of nature for many people. There has been a broad and much needed realisation that nature is an important and necessary part of our lives especially for our mental health and wellbeing. But nature needs us too.
“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you are helping to build an annual snapshot of how our birdlife is doing across the UK. It is only by us understanding how our wildlife is faring that we can protect it. We know that nature is in crisis but together, we can take action to solve the problems facing nature.”
For more information about the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch and to submit results, visit: www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch