RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 returns as West Yorkshire urged to make every bird count

The world’s largest garden wildlife survey returns this month, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to watch and count the UK’s garden birds for the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch.

Nearly 600,000 people took part in 2025, counting more than nine million birds.

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which returns later this month, is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK.

placeholder image — The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which returns later this month, is the world’s largest garden wildlife survey and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK.

In West Yorkshire more than 10,000 people took part, with the House Sparrow taking the top spot as the most commonly seen bird, followed by Blackbird and Woodpigeon.

This year’s event takes place on January 23, 24 and 25 with people in West Yorkshire being asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, allotment, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB.

With less than two weeks until the event, it’s not too late to register and take part.

Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 is open now until Sunday, January 25.

To receive your free postal or digital Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, and advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, call 0800 473 0251, text BIRD to 84901, or visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.

The Birdwatch, which started in 1979, has since become a much-loved annual citizen science survey, that gives the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK.

People in West Yorkshire are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden, allotment, balcony or local park, then send their results to the RSPB.

There have now been over seven million surveys over that time, more than 200 million birds have been counted and nearly 12.6 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “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. Every observation counts, even if you see nothing at all.

"Whether you live in a city or the countryside, 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 and count the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”