House sparrow tops list in RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

The starling was in second spot, with goldfinches third.

Alarming declines in house sparrows had been recorded in previous years, but prospects appear more promising now.

Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist, said: ‘small birds suffer during long, cold winters but the warmer January weather this year appears to have given species such as the wren and long-tailed tit a boost.’

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK’s largest citizen science survey, which took place this year from 25 to 27 January.

Nearly half a million people took part across the UK, with 498 in the Channel Islands, counting roughly eight million birds in total. Over four decades since 1979 the birdwatch has provided opportunities for people of all ages to count bird visitors to better understand which species are thriving and which are waning.

‘Over the survey’s lifetime we’ve seen the increasing good fortunes of birds such as the coal tit and goldfinch and the alarming declines of the house sparrow and starling,’ said Mr Hayhow.

Since the birdwatch began, house sparrow numbers have declined by 53%. But since 2010 numbers have increased by 10%, ‘giving us hope that at least a partial recovery may be happening’.

House sparrows were top of the Channel Islands rankings and the most commonly seen garden birds in the country.

Declines in song thrush numbers were observed through the survey from being a firm top 10 fixture in 1979 to numbers decreasing to less than half by 2009.

Song thrushes came in 20th place this year, seen in 9% of gardens.

School children nationwide undertook the RSPB’s Big Schools Birdwatch during spring term.

‘School grounds saw close to 70,000 school children and their teachers, including 73 in the Channel Islands, spend an hour in nature counting the birds,’ Mr Hayhow said.

Blackbirds were the most numerous school ground visitor, averaging five per school in 85% of participating schools.

RSPB chief executive Beccy Speight said that for many people garden birds provide an important connection to the wider world and bring enormous joy.

‘These are difficult and unsettling times for all of us, but we hope that nature can provide a welcome respite in whichever form and wherever you may encounter it. Despite everything going on in the world, nature is still doing its thing. Birds are singing and blossom is bursting.

‘Watching wildlife – whether from a window, a balcony or even online – can offer many of us hope, joy and a welcome distraction, and so we are keen to help you carry on connecting with the natural world.’