In January this year more than one million people took part in RSPB Cymru’s ‘Bird Garden Birdwatch’ and Clwyd West MS Darren Millar is keen for just as many, if not more, to join in next year’s event.

The Big Garden Birdwatch runs from the 28th to the 30th of January and involves people taking an hour out of their day to count the birds and wildlife in their garden or local park.

2021 was the biggest birdwatch so far, with over a million people counting 17 million birds  and helping the RSPC to form a picture of how wildlife is faring across the UK. 

The House Sparrow, Starling and Robin all had a strong year. However, the annual birdwatch continues to see declines year on year for many well known and loved species, such as the blue tit, chaffinch and goldfinch.  

Darren said:

“Shockingly, we’ve lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 50 years, so it really is vital we do all we can to look after our birdlife.

“Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 28 and 30 January 2022.”

He added:  

“The brilliant thing about the Birdwatch is that you never know what you might see, with previous rare sightings including an American green heron and a Siberian lesser whitethroat. But for many of us, the more common birds are just as heartening.

“January can be a dismal month, so this event will help lift spirits, whilst providing vital data for the RSPB. I therefore encourage people across Conwy and Denbighshire to sign up.”

To find out more about the Big Garden Birdwatch visit the RSPB’s website:  Big Garden Birdwatch | The RSPB