The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – are you ready?

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Kate MacRae

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch – are you ready?

By Kate MacRae – @wildlifekate

Published on January 13, 2026

3 min read

Are you ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch?

What is the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch and why you should get involved…?

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is coming soon!

From Jan 23rd – 25th, the UK’s largest citizen science survey will once again take place. People across the UK will be asked to spend one hour counting the birds they see in their garden, balcony, local park, or outdoor space, then submit the results to the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).

It’s been running since 1979, so it’s one of the longest-running wildlife surveys in the world and you can be part of it!

Across the UK, over 590,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, recording an amazing 9.1 million birds!

A Blackbird

How does the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch work?

It’s very simple really…. just grab a cuppa and a place to watch outside! This could be your own garden, a balcony, a park or any space where you can watch the wildlife. Obviously, if you feed the birds already and have bird feeders, this will increase the species you might see.

You don’t need to be an expert as there are lots of free resources on the RSPB website to help you get to know the commonest species that you might see. There are also sheets to help you record how many species you see.

Register on the RSPB website and get access to a digital or printed pack to help with your garden bird identification.

A Robin

SIGN UP FOR THE RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH

Simply chose an hour, watch your chosen space and record the highest number of each species seen at the same time. Once your hour is up, submit your results online.

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 a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring and it is great to be part of such an incredible citizen science project.

A Long Tailed Tit

I have cameras on feeding stations throughout my land, so even when I am sitting at my desk, I have eyes on many different areas. My cameras live stream on my website and on my YouTube Channel, so you can tune in anytime!. There will also be pages on my website giving you all sorts of information to help you at www.wildlifekate.co.uk

Watching Garden Birds is Good for Your Health

Watching the birds is not just for this one weekend though. Did you know that it is actually good for your health too? It has been proven that being outside in nature and watching birds helps relax and calm you. Research from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London has also found that seeing or hearing birds is linked to improved mental wellbeing lasting for up to eight hours!

A Pair of Goldfinches

I have been watching and feeding the birds just about all of my life, so it is an integral part of my being and I recommend it to everyone! Here are a few examples of some of the footage you might see if you tune into my garden feeders and if you haven’t done yet, then get some feeders up before the big weekend and see what you can attract to your garden!

Nature Up Close: Watch Kate’s Bird Feeders

Watch the bustling bird feeders in Kate’s beautiful Welsh garden, visit her website Wildlife Kate and enjoy the incredible variety of wildlife she captures. Subscribe to her new YouTube channel for more stunning nature footage and regular updates.

Subscribe to Kate's YouTube Channel

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By Kate MacRae – @wildlifekate

Kate MacRae, known online as WildlifeKate, is a passionate wildlife educator, photographer, and filmmaker who shares the beauty of nature from her stunning garden in Wales. A former primary school teacher and Ordnance Survey Champion, Kate uses live streams, videos, and creative projects to inspire people of all ages to connect with the outdoors. Featured on BBC’s Springwatch and Countryfile, she combines technology and nature to bring wildlife closer to everyone.