Garden birds in Devon are counting on you!

The world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns this month, with hundreds of thousands of people watching and counting the UK’s garden birds over the last weekend in January for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

Over 600 thousand people took part in 2024, counting more than nine million birds. In Devon more than 16 thousand people took part, with the House Sparrow taking the top spot as the most commonly seen bird, followed by Blue Tit, and Blackbird.

This year’s event takes place on 24, 25 and 26 January 2025. People in Devon are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB.

This year’s event marks over four decades since the first Big Garden Birdwatch. Starting in 1979, it has since become a much-loved annual citizen science event, that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK. Over that time, 195 million birds have been counted and nearly 12.1 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “At its heart, Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity for people to spend an hour watching, enjoying, and connecting with the wildlife on their doorstep. From chirpy House Sparrows to acrobatic Blue Tits, the entertaining antics of our garden birds can brighten even the dullest day and bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives.

“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, play an important role in helping us understand how garden birds are doing. With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”

Last year’s UK-wide Big Garden Birdwatch results revealed that House Sparrow held the top spot for another year as the most commonly spotted bird, with Blue Tit riding high at number two and Starling coming in at number three. Woodpigeon and Blackbird made up the remainder of the top five most recorded species.

Although 1.4 million House Sparrows were spotted across the January weekend last year, they have sadly suffered severe declines. Average numbers spotted in gardens, parks and community spaces have dropped 60% since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979. [note 2]

Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. The Blue Tit and Great Tit, much-loved garden species, have seen their average numbers rise by 24% and 61% respectively. While species such as the Starling, currently at number two in the Big Garden Birdwatch charts, has seen its numbers drop by more than 80% since 1979.

Beccy added: “Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! All you need is an hour to spend watching the birds in your local green space. When we come together for nature, we can do great things. Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 in Devon, watch the birds from your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Tell us the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.

Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is open now until 26 January 2025! To receive your FREE postal or digital Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, and advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.