Big Garden Birdwatch 2026

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual survey held on the same weekend each year to count the number of birds across the UK. This year marked its 47th year and my 13th year taking part.
It is interesting how this citizen science affects our local population...as in the days approaching, the gardens are abundant with flits here and there, whistles and twips, and splashes in the birdbaths. However, as soon as the weekend itself arrives, not even crickets! That's an exaggeration; birds do still come, but usually in much smaller numbers than usual. 
This year, the weather was extremely gloomy and dull too! Though the heavy rains held off on my third and final attempt on Sunday, it wasn't the best photo-taking conditions. I know that doesn't matter at all, but it is an excuse.
Below are the photos taken during our Big Garden Birdwatch 2026.

See posts from previous years here:
Big Garden Birdwatch 2025
Big Garden Birdwatch 2024
Big Garden Birdwatch 2023
Big Garden Birdwatch 2022

2026 Big Garden Birdwatch Results
Blackbird - 1

Blue Tit - 6
Dunnock - 1
Goldfinch - 2
Great Tit - 4
House Sparrow - 4
Jackdaw - 2
Pigeon (Rock Dove) - 30
Robin - 1
Starling - 2
Wood Pigeon - 1

Total -  54
 

(You only count the birds that land in your garden and only note the most of a species seen at once. For example, throughout the hour, there may be multiple sightings of a blackbird; if there is only ever one visiting at a time, you must submit '1'.)

If you can, I encourage you to feed your local birds. Please also put out fresh, clean water for them at all times of the year, but especially in the hot summers and super cold winters when natural sources may be dried up or frozen over.

For more information on the RSPB, Big Garden Birdwatch and the protection of birds, click here.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2025

 

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is an annual survey held on the same weekend each year to count the number of birds across the UK. This year marked its 46th year and my 12th year taking part.

If it wasn't clear by now, birds are a huge part of my life and their protection is of high importance to me. I spend an unfathomable amount of my life doing something to do with birds, be it watching, feeding, photographing, reading about them and so on. Since first taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch I've moved house over 5 times to places with varying amounts of wildlife. Considering that we currently live technically in an urban environment, around 5 miles away from farmland and a mile away from a river this is probably the biggest range of birds and wildlife we've ever had as regular visitors. That doesn't mean anything for my results though, because as always the birds seem to know when the RSPB survey is on and don't turn up on those days!

Below are the photos taken during our Big Garden Birdwatch 2025!

See posts from previous years here:
Big Garden Birdwatch 2024
Big Garden Birdwatch 2023
Big Garden Birdwatch 2022

2025 Big Garden Birdwatch Results
Great Tit - 2
Blue Tit - 2
Blackbird - 1
Wood Pigeon - 4
Long Tailed Tit - 6
Robin - 1
Dunnock - 2
Rock Dove - 12
Magpie - 2
Jackdaw - 2
Starling - 2
Carrion Crow - 1
Goldfinch - 11
Chaffinch - 2
Herring Gull - 10

Total - 60 birds!!!

It's funny because this has been my most successful Big Garden Birdwatch so far, (I think). It's extra funny because on the 24th we had Storm Eowyn who brought with her some very strong winds which I assumed would put off all of the birds. However, it was actually a pretty good turnout! I like to take part in the birdwatch all three days of the weekend and choose the best results to submit because I know my garden and its usual visitors and want to have the most realistic representation. 

This year's photos aren't great, but when are they when they're taken through a window? Still, it's nice to have them to remember all the little beauties who came to share the day with me. I'm so very lucky that all these birds choose my garden to feed, bathe, relax, play, groom and everything else in. They make living here better.

If you can, I encourage you to feed your local birds. Please also put out fresh, clean water for them at all times of the year, but especially in the hot summers and super cold winters when natural sources may be dried up or frozen over.

For more information on the RSPB, Big Garden Birdwatch and the protection of birds, click here.