Upwards of nine million birds were recorded by 650,279 people across the UK, with the house sparrow remaining the most frequently-counted bird, in line with years past.
‘In Guernsey we certainly have a wide variety of birds – I think there are more than 200 species spotted every year,’ said avid birdwatcher Rod Ferbrache, who has participated in the survey in previous years.
Visit Guernsey says there are more than 200 species seen annually across the island, while a list from La Societe Guernesiais shows that, as of 2022, there were as many as 333 different bird species recorded.
The Big Garden Birdwatch suggests that the most common of these species to find in the garden are house sparrows, blue tits and wood pigeons – the latter of which have seen more than a 1,000% increase in number across the UK since the Birdwatch started in 1979.
Meanwhile, the nation’s greenfinches have seen a precipitous drop in numbers, with their population declining by 67% over the past five decades.
As well as providing the RSPB information about the nation’s birds, the Birdwatch is also an opportunity for people to get involved with an activity that is testified by some to be very beneficial.
‘I had a nervous breakdown back in the 1990s and became a sort of recluse – I never left the house. But the one day I left the house to walk to Vale Pond, I met another man who also had depression, and he introduced me to birdwatching. For me, I think it was a great help,’ said Mr Ferbrache.
Mr Ferbrache continued his birdwatching ever since, joining the local RSPB group as well as La Societe Guernesiais’ ornithological group.
Even for someone without any particular avian passion, Mr Ferbrache suggests that birdwatching can still be a beneficial and enjoyable activity.
‘Just being out in the fresh air is really good,’ he said.
You need to be logged in to comment.