Devon residents urged to take part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2026

Garden birds across Devon will once again be in the spotlight this weekend as the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch returns, inviting people of all ages to help track how the UK’s most familiar birds are faring.

The annual event, which is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, takes place from 23 to 25 January 2026. Participants are asked to spend just one hour watching and counting birds in their garden, allotment, balcony or local green space, before submitting their results to the RSPB.

Nearly 600,000 people took part across the UK in 2025, counting more than nine million birds. In Devon alone, just over 16,000 people joined in, with House Sparrow topping the list of the most commonly spotted bird, followed by Blue Tit and Blackbird.

With birds facing growing pressures from habitat loss, climate change and other environmental challenges, organisers say every count matters. The Birdwatch provides a vital snapshot of garden bird populations and helps conservationists identify long-term trends.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Every observation counts, even if you see nothing at all. Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour and count the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”

Last year’s UK-wide results showed House Sparrow remaining at number one for the 22nd year in a row, followed by Blue Tit and Woodpigeon. Starling and Blackbird completed the top five. However, despite the top 10 species remaining the same as in 2024, average counts for House Sparrow, Blue Tit and Starling all declined. Stormy weather during last year’s Birdwatch weekend may have influenced the results, making this year’s survey particularly important.

Long-term trends remain a concern. Although House Sparrows continue to top the rankings, average numbers recorded have fallen by 64 per cent since the Birdwatch began in 1979. Starling numbers have also dropped sharply, with average counts falling by a further six per cent last year to the lowest level ever recorded.

Beccy Speight added: “Even on the greyest winter day, garden birds bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more.”

The Big Garden Birdwatch first launched in 1979 and has since become a much-loved annual event. Over the years, more than seven million surveys have been completed, with over 200 million birds counted and nearly 12.6 million hours spent watching wildlife.

Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 is open now until Sunday 25 January. Participants can receive a free digital or postal guide, including bird identification charts and tips, by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch , calling 0800 473 0251, or texting BIRD to 84901.