Take part in the Big Bird Watch

The Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for everyone to actively help nature by donating just one hour to count the birds and other wildlife in their gardens. The data gathered from this survey provides a vital health-check of the wildlife that we share our homes with.

Amy Colvin from RSPB NI said: “It couldn’t be easier to take part in the survey. Just visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch then make yourself a cuppa and spend one hour during the Birdwatch weekend counting the visitors to your garden!”

Last year almost half a million people across the UK took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.

Teachers and pupils are also urged to take part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch until 12 February.

As temperatures drop, the natural food available for wildlife becomes scarcer and so our feathered friends are more likely to visit our gardens and school grounds in the hope of supplementing their diets.

Birds need calorie-rich food at this time of year, to help them maintain their fat reserves. Opt for peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet balls, finely chopped bacon rind and even a little bit of grated cheese in your feeders and on bird tables. For a balanced diet, still provide your normal seed mix, as well as these fattier foods.