Disclaimer: this blog is not affiliated with the RSPB, I just believe that they do good work.
This weekend, between 28 and 30 January 2022, the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch will take place. Volunteers up and down the country will be spending an hour, in their gardens, on their balconies, or in local parks, watching and counting the birds they see. This citizen science project is very useful. It provides a picture of the ups and downs of bird populations throughout the country. I have signed up, and would encourage anyone who cherishes our British birds to do so as well.
There is a wealth of research and studies out there, revealing just how much nature does for us, in a number of different ways. Events like this give us the opportunity to give something back. Be generous, do something mindful, and sign up to take part in this year's Big Garden Birdwatch at www.rspb.org.uk
Falling in love with birds
My childhood home was a wonderful place in a small countryside village. Why is that important? It's important because it was in that countryside village, that countryside home with a little countryside garden, where I fell in love with British birds. Growing up there, I saw a variety of birds visiting the garden. It's there that my fascination for these winged wonders bloomed into being. Yeah. Because they are winged wonders. The tiny little animals, the ones that flitted back to the feeders, that could fit easily in to my human hand, but that face struggles and troubles the likes of which I would never know. Or the raptors, symbols of power and stealth, that could stop me in wonder, my craning upward.
They sang or called to each other, and I just listened and watched; an audience too stupid to understand the song, but in thrall to it nonetheless.
Protecting what we love
According to the RSPB website, the UK has lost 38 million birds in the last fifty years. So it is vital that we do all that we can to understand the state of bird populations from year to year. And where in the country birds are doing well, and where they are suffering. It tells us much. Projects like the Big Garden Birdwatch are necessary!
Our nature and wildlife is often relegated to the bottom of political agendas. We see it time after time. And so it is left to charities, non-profit organisations, and generous volunteers, to do what they can. As time goes on, and the crises that our natural world is facing become more and more apparent, perhaps the more monied and powerful will be compelled to do more. But until that time, a time when more than words and promises are given, maybe, it's still on the campaigners and volunteers and activists to hold back the tide.
In my life, the moments that have been the calmest and happiest have been very clear, like those childhood summers when I would watch birds and butterflies in our garden from the window of my bedroom.
I can spare an hour to give back to that nature which still gives me those moments of peace and joy.
Taking part
So, this weekend, clean your birdfeeders, fill them with nuts and seeds and suet, and sit for an hour and watch for feathered visitors. Or, take yourself to your local park, with a flask of something hot and a notebook, and find a bench to watch from.
Wherever you watch from, don't forget to submit your results. Again, you can sign up to take part here.
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