Action for Wildlife Jersey is inviting the community to partake in the 23rd annual Great Garden Birdwatch.
This cherished event, taking place on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th February, serves not only as an engaging activity for nature enthusiasts but also plays an important role in monitoring the health of our local bird populations.
The Great Garden Birdwatch has become a staple in Jersey’s environmental calendar over the past two decades, offering residents a unique opportunity to connect with nature while contributing to vital citizen science.
Everyone is encouraged to take part in this unique citizen science project, whether a seasoned birdwatcher or a curious first-timer. For those without a garden, making observations from a balcony or a park is equally beneficial, as every observation is valuable.
The collected data will shed light on how our feathered friends are faring and what we can do to ensure their continued presence in our lives.
Participants are encouraged to observe and record the birds for an hour, between 8.00 and 11.00 on either Saturday or Sunday morning. Observers are asked to note the variety of birds they see, along with the maximum number of each species observed at any one time. Just grab a coffee, settle into a comfortable seat with the provided garden bird guide, and spend an hour observing the feathered visitors.
Last year’s count revealed intriguing insights into the state of our feathered neighbours. While some species like the Wood Pigeon have shown a notable increase in numbers, others, such as the Collared Dove, have witnessed a decline. The fluctuating numbers of the Chaffinch, Greenfinch, and the remarkable rise of the Goldfinch highlight the dynamic nature of our ecosystem. This year’s event will provide further knowledge of how climate change shifts affect local biodiversity.
Andrew Koester, Action for Wildlife, said: “Everyone who takes part in the count is a citizen scientist and doing their own small bit to help us understand our garden birds that bit better. Last year 244 households counted their birds and sent in their results. That’s pretty good and it gave us lots of birding records to analyse.
“Most of all though, it’s fun and will remind you how important our birds are to us and how much we need them to help us feel alive and well. The simple act of watching and recording not only aids in conservation but enriches our understanding and appreciation of nature.”
Mike Stentiford MBE, Jersey National Park said: “The Great Garden Birdwatch not only connects us with the beauty of nature but also reminds us of our responsibility towards these vital members of our ecosystem. Their presence and health are indicators of the well-being of our environment.
“Each observation is not just about data collection, but an invitation to immerse ourselves in the wonders of nature. It’s a chance to peacefully engage with the world around us.”
Those wishing to take part can use the Jersey Great Garden BirdWatch Survey Form 2024, available online or as a hard copy, to record their sightings. Results can be submitted via email to through Action for Wildlife Jersey’s Facebook page.
