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OmVed Gardens joins the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

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Last weekend, some of the OmVed Gardens team gathered bright and early to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, an annual citizen science event that invites nature enthusiasts to observe and record the birds in their local areas. With binoculars in hand and layered up to shield us from the January chill, we met in the gardens at 7:30 AM, just as the first hints of dawn began to appear.

It was still dark as we arrived in the gardens, we were greeted by the wonderful sound of the dawn chorus. It was a magical experience to stand quietly among the trees and hear the calls of birds in the garden as the winter sun rose.

We were fortunate to have clear skies and no rain, which made it easier to spot and identify the birds that visited the garden. Kiran, our resident ecologist, brought along binoculars, allowing us to get a closer look at our feathered friends.

Our Birdwatch Highlights

Here are the birds we were lucky enough to spot during the morning:

  • Blackbird

  • Blue tit

  • Song thrush

  • Wood pigeon

  • Great tit

  • Crow

  • Magpie

  • Robin

  • Jay

  • Dunnock

  • Parakeet

  • Long-tailed tits

  • Wren

We also heard the distinctive pecking of a woodpecker resonating through the trees. Unfortunately, despite our efforts to spot it, the elusive bird remained hidden from view.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is one of the largest citizen science initiatives in the UK, encouraging people of all ages to spend an hour counting the birds in their gardens, parks, or local green spaces. This annual event provides vital data that helps conservationists track changes in bird populations and understand how different species are faring across the country. With over 40 years of participation, the Birdwatch has become a key tool for monitoring the health of birdlife and identifying trends that may reflect broader environmental challenges, such as habitat loss or climate change. By taking part, individuals not only contribute to this critical research but also deepen their connection to nature, fostering awareness of the biodiversity that surrounds us and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

Participating in the Big Garden Birdwatch was not only an opportunity to contribute to an important citizen science project but also a reminder of the biodiversity that thrives in our gardens when we take care to provide habitats for wildlife. It was heartening to see such a wide variety of birds in the gardens, and it inspired us to think about how we can continue to make OmVed a sanctuary for wildlife.

A magpie, long-tailed tit and song thrush were amongst the birds we spotted.

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