Gardens, allotments and even balconies can all have a part to play
The blue tit held second spot for most-recorded species in the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch(Image: RSPB / Ben Andrew)
Thousands of people across East Yorkshire and beyond are being invited to take an hour for nature and make their spot count, as the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch returns from January 28 to 31, 2027. From gardens and balconies to allotments and local parks, people are being asked to spend just one hour watching and counting the birds they see, then share their results with the RSPB.
Every sighting helps build a valuable picture of how our most familiar garden birds are doing. Proudly supported by Postcode Lottery players, this coming Birdwatch will help inspire even more people to make their spot count – wherever they live – and help to discover how birds are faring in their postcode.
More than 650,000 people took part in the 2026 Birdwatch, counting more than nine million birds across more than 80 species. About 49,000 people took part across Yorkshire.
Running since 1979, Big Garden Birdwatch has grown into the UK’s largest garden wildlife survey. Over more than four decades, participants have spent more than 13.4 million hours watching and counting garden birds and recorded more than 212 million birds.
Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s chief executive, said: “Many of our beloved garden birds are under threat. By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK help build a picture of how our garden birds are faring.
“Every spot counts, even if you see nothing at all. We’re incredibly grateful to Postcode Lottery players for supporting this year’s Birdwatch and helping even more people come together in their own communities to support nature.
“Taking part is not only good for wildlife – spending time in nature is proven to be good for all of us too.” The 2026 results reveal both the resilience and challenges facing familiar garden bird species.
The house sparrow held onto the top spot for the 23rd consecutive year, but average house sparrow counts are down 64 per cent compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. Blue tit remained in second place, while starling moved up to third. Woodpigeon and blackbird completed the top five most-recorded species.
Laura Chow, head of charities at Postcode Lottery, said: “The Big Garden Birdwatch is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature while contributing to something bigger. Whether you’re taking part from a garden, balcony or local park, every spot counts and helps to inform the RSPB’s conservation work to protect our birds.
“It is wonderful that Postcode Lottery players are supporting the survey, inspiring more people to turn an hour of birdwatching into a force for good.” To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, spend one hour between January 29 and 31, 2027, watching the birds in your garden, on your balcony, at your allotment or in your local green space, such as a park or community garden.
Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Record the highest number of each species you see at any one time, rather than adding up every bird you see during the hour.
Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2027 opens on December 9, 2026. To receive your free Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop offer, plus advice on how to help you attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or you can choose a free digital guide (which helps the RSPB spend more on nature by reducing costs) by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch
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