During the last weekend in January, people across the UK will be spending an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, local park or green space. Why? To take part in the UK's biggest citizen science project - the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch.
Last year, over half a million people joined in, counting more than 9 million birds!
Bird feeders will encourage birds to visit your garden, but before you buy on, why not try a quick upcycling craft? You can make your own bird cake by mixing one part melted lard or suet into two parts birdseed and pushing into any container and then hanging up high. We think pretty floral teacups look great! You could also make your bird cake into ball shapes and push them into a metal whisk to hang in the garden.
Of course, there are lots of natural bird foods in your garden too. Greenfinches, goldfinches, blackbirds and thrushes will happily feast on rosehips left on your plants, whilst tits, siskins and sparrows will flock to the heads of sunflowers to prise off the oil-rich seed hearts.
To take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch (26-28th January 2024), head to their website rspb.org.uk/birdwatch and sign up. You'll receive a guide to help identify the most common birds your likely to see as well as useful information on how to attract birds to your garden.