Big Garden Birdwatch Takes Place This Week as Cold Weather Brings Migratory Birds to UK Gardens

 By Conservation Correspondent

Cold and unsettled weather across Europe could make 2026 a bumper year for migratory birds in UK gardens, the RSPB has said, as it launches its annual Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.

The event takes place on 23, 24 and 25 January 2026, and experts say a recent cold spell in the UK, combined with extreme cold weather across Europe, could lead to higher numbers of migratory birds such as Fieldfare and Redwingbeing spotted in gardens and local green spaces.

These birds spend much of the year on the continent, but many travel from as far as Poland and Scandinavia to winter in the UK. In particularly cold years, or when food is scarce, more birds make the journey.

Last year’s Birdwatch recorded 3,201 Redwing and 2,885 Fieldfare.

Almost 600,000 people took part in 2025, counting more than 9 million birds from over 80 species.

The survey provides a valuable snapshot of how common garden birds are faring and is one way people can take action for nature.

Launched in 1979, the Big Garden Birdwatch has become the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. Over four decades, more than 200 million birds have been counted, with over 12.6 million hours spent watching wildlife.

Participants are asked to spend one hour counting birds in their garden, local park, balcony or other outdoor space, and submit their results to the RSPB.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said:
“When compared to places such as Norway and Sweden, the UK has relatively warm winters, and we get large numbers of migratory birds from all over Europe, which travel here seeking shelter, food, and water. But numbers change every year depending on what the weather is like there and here – with the recent cold spell you may see some surprise migratory visitors outside your window! But whether you see a Redwing, your regular local Robin, or even if you don’t see anything, every observation counts.

“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour this weekend counting the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing too.”

Results from 2025 showed mixed fortunes for garden birds. 

House Sparrow remained the most commonly spotted species for the 22nd year running, but numbers fell 11% compared to 2024 and were the lowest since 1998, down 64% since 1979. Starlings dropped out of the UK’s top three garden birds for the first time, with the lowest average count ever recorded.

In contrast, Woodpigeon numbers increased, reflecting national population trends. Average counts in 2025 were the highest ever recorded, and it was the first time the species ranked third nationally.

Beccy Speight added: “Even on the greyest winter day, our local birds bring a welcome dose of wildness and nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more.”

To take part, people are asked to watch birds for one hour over the three-day period, counting only those that land. Participants should record the highest number of each species seen at one time, rather than the total seen.

To take part in this year's Big Garden Birdwatch, visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.