Big Garden Birdwatch

Big Garden Birdwatch is organised by the RSPB, with results published each year to track changes in UK garden bird populations and guide conservation work.

In 2026, the event takes place from 23rd to 25th January, and we at CJ Wildlife will once again be joining in, watching, counting and supporting our garden birds throughout the weekend.

Everyone is encouraged to spend one hour observing and recording the birds they see in their garden or local park. Every sighting helps build a clearer picture of how our much-loved garden birds are faring across the UK.

At CJ Wildlife, we are committed to helping people connect with nature and supporting the conservation of garden birds across the UK. By encouraging participation in initiatives like Big Garden Birdwatch, we help gather valuable data that contributes to long-term research and protection efforts.

Working alongside leading conservation organisations and experts, these nationwide surveys provide vital insight into migration patterns, breeding success and changes in bird populations. That knowledge helps shape practical action to protect habitats and support species that are under pressure.

Through simple acts, like spending one hour watching the birds in your garden, we can all play a part in building a clearer picture of the health of our birdlife and ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

1. House Sparrow

2. Blue Tit

3. Starling

4. Woodpigeon

5. Blackbird

The Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, which engaged 590,000 nature lovers, revealed interesting insights into the bird population in the UK.

The House Sparrow continued to dominate the rankings, retaining the top spot for the 22nd consecutive year. Although long-term declines mean the species has lost millions of breeding pairs since the 1960s, its numbers in gardens have remained broadly stable over the past two decades.

The Blue Tit once again secured second place, confirming its consistent presence in UK gardens. The Woodpigeon, which has shown a strong long-term increase over the last 40 years, moved into third place, underlining its continued success in both urban and suburban environments.

A notable change in 2025 was the Starling, which slipped to fourth place and recorded its lowest average garden counts since the Big Garden Birdwatch began, reflecting wider national population declines. The Blackbird remained one of the UK’s most familiar garden birds, holding steady in fifth position.

The nation’s favourite bird, the Robin, continued to be a regular garden visitor, maintaining its place just outside the top five. The Goldfinch and Great Tit both remained within the top ten, showing relative stability following the Goldfinch’s rapid expansion earlier this century.

Rounding out the top ten, the Magpie continued to be a familiar sight in gardens, particularly in urban areas, while the Long-tailed Tit once again featured among the most commonly recorded species, reflecting a recovery after previous colder winters.

Which birds frequent your outdoor space? Is there a particular feathered friend you've been eager to spot? And do you provide them with a suitable habitat?

After exploring the diverse world of birds and identifying population trends through the Big Garden Birdwatch, we are now shifting our focus to the living conditions of our garden birds. The bird count not only showcased the diversity of species but also underscored the significance of suitable habitats for birds. This brings us to the forefront of Nest Box Week, where we address the decline in natural nesting sites and explore ways to compensate for this shortage.

During Nest Box Week, we will provide tips on how to hang up nest boxes, offer insights into which bird prefers which nest box, and introduce you to various materials used for crafting these essential homes. Join us on this exciting journey as we contribute to promoting bird conservation. We are looking forward to Nest Box Week!