World's biggest Birdwatch gears up for 30th anniversary

24/12/2008 06:16:59

Were you watching birds in 1979?

December 2008. 1979 was the year that Disco reigned supreme, Sid Vicious died and the walkman was invented. Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister shortly after Scotland narrowly rejected a Parliament of its own, The best selling single in the UK was The Village People's YMCA, and the world's biggest garden Birdwatch, organised by the RSPB, took place for the first time.

24-25 January 2009 will see the 30th anniversary of the Big Garden Birdwatch, which has grown from just 30,000 participants in the UK in the first year, to almost 400,000 in 2007. RSPB hope that a record number of people and schools will take part in the 2009 Birdwatch. And to help them celebrate the Birdwatch's 30th birthday, we would also like to hear from anyone who remembers taking part in the first ever survey back in 1979.

Jonathan Osborne, RSPB Scotland Big Garden Birdwatch Co-ordinator said: "It's incredible that what began as a simple project for children 30 years ago has become the biggest wildlife watching event in the world. Watching wildlife in your own back yard is great fun, but importantly, the sheer number of pairs of eyes looking at birds over the years has also given us real information about how our garden birds are faring.

Common bird numbers down.
We know that a number of species such as song thrush, starling and house sparrow are visiting gardens significantly less since we first ran the survey. We think this is because there is simply less wild space and food available for them in gardens, and of course we can offer tips on how people can encourage more wildlife into their gardens.

How to take part - schools
We really want to make this the best ever Birdwatch in Scotland, and if we can get 30,000 people to take part on the 30th anniversary that would be a record! It's really easy to take part and you can order a survey form online or by calling our hotline. Schools can also take part in the Big Schools Birdwatch, and this is a great way to interest children in wildlife.

And if anyone out there remembers taking part in the first ever Birdwatch in 1979 - then we'd love to hear your memories of the day Just give us a ring on 0131 311 6500 or e-mail us at rspb.scotland@rspb.org.uk

For more information on taking part visit http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or phone 0131 311 6500.

Big Schools Birdwatch
Big Schools Birdwatch runs over two weeks, from 19-30 January, and is designed to offer resources to schools to let classes take place. For more information, the Big Schools Birdwatch hotline is 0300 456 8340.

2008 results

 

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