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Big Garden Birdwatch

Join us for the Big Garden Birdwatch - a day to appreciate nature's avian wonders, right from the comfort of your backyard!

Friday

22–24

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEBig Garden Birdwatch (RSPB, 4th Fri Jan, 3-day Fri-Sun)

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYAnimals

SUBCATEGORYBirds

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to grab your binoculars and join wildlife enthusiasts across the country for the Big Garden Birdwatch on January 26th! This delightful event began officially by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds in 1979 for its junior members and it has now blossomed into the world's largest wildlife survey, attracting participants of all ages. It's a day to appreciate the chirping guests in our gardens and take a moment to count our feathered friends. By participating, you're not just enjoying the beauty of nature but contributing to important data collection that aids in the conservation of bird species. So let's tune in to the melody of songbirds and bring out the birdwatcher in us this Big Garden Birdwatch Day!

TIMELINE

Big Garden Birdwatch Timeline

Big Garden Birdwatch Inception

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) started the first Big Garden Birdwatch for its junior members, paving the way for a large-scale wildlife survey.

Inclusion of Adults

RSPB extended the Big Garden Birdwatch participation to adults, making it an event for birdwatchers of all ages.

Record Number of Participants

Over half a million people participated in the Big Garden Birdwatch, establishing it as the world's largest garden wildlife survey.

Mobile Age Begins

RSPB introduced online submissions and mobile applications to make data submission more streamlined and accessible.

Survey Expansion

RSPB expanded the survey to include other garden wildlife like squirrels and badgers, not just birds, promoting overall biodiversity awareness.

Lockdown Boost

The Covid-19 lockdowns led to a significant increase in participation, highlighting human reconnection with nature amidst the pandemic.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Big Garden Birdwatch

Create a bird-friendly environment

Turn your garden into a haven for birds by setting up bird feeders, bird baths, and nesting boxes. Offering a variety of food like seeds, fruits or suet can attract different species. Ensure the feeders are set up in a safe and quiet place away from predators.

HOST

Host a birdwatching party

Invite your friends or family over for a birdwatching gathering. Set up chairs in the garden, prepare hot cocoa and share binoculars. Turn it into fun competition by seeing who can spot the most species.

ENGAGE

Engage in bird photography

Make the day more memorable by capturing the birds on camera. Patience is the key when it comes to bird photography. If you're quiet and still, you might just get that perfect shot.

EDUCATE

Educate young bird-watchers

Use this opportunity to educate kids about different bird species, their habits and their role in the ecosystem. You could even create a mini-quiz or drawing competition to make learning more fun.

RECORD

Record and share your observations

The core purpose of Big Garden Birdwatch is to collect data that helps in bird conservation. Hence, document your findings precisely and submit them to local birdwatching or environmental groups. You can also share your experiences on social media and encourage others to join.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Big Garden Birdwatch is Important

It fosters community and education

Whether you're hosting a birdwatching party or educating young bird-watchers about different bird species and their role in the ecosystem, Big Garden Birdwatch Day encourages us to share our enthusiasm for birds with others. This shared experience not only fosters community bonding but also offers a valuable educational experience.

It promotes appreciation for wildlife

The Big Garden Birdwatch Day provides the perfect occasion to admire nature's beauty from your own backyard. It offers an opportunity to tune into the melody of birds, rekindles our romance with nature's avian wonders, and encourages us to listen, observe and reflect.

Its significance in conservation efforts

Participation in the Big Garden Birdwatch helps contribute to important data collection. The information gathered from these home-grown bird counts is critical for bird species conservation and contributes significantly to our understanding of many common bird species.

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