- 17/01/2013
- Posted by: Joyce Watson MS
- Category: Feature
Join Garden Birdwatch at end of January
Joyce Watson AM is backing the RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch.
The Mid and West Wales Assembly Member will take an hour to record how many birds are in her garden over the weekend of 26 and 27 January.
Joyce Watson AM said: “The annual Birdwatch is great family fun, but it also serves a useful purpose, to help the RSPB monitor how our bird life is coping.”
Mrs Watson, who is a keen photographer, also urged bird lovers who feed their garden visitors to top up their bird feeders as temperatures plummet to freezing.
She said: “This sudden chill will be a shock to our birds after the mild weather we’ve had. Helping them with calorie rich foods like mixed seed, fatballs and peanuts, as well as mild grated cheese and porridge oats, could be the difference between life and death.
“Fresh clean water is also important for them, as natural sources freeze over. A light ball such as a ping-pong ball should keep your water ice free.
“Keeping your garden visitors well fed and cared for ahead of the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch will encourage them into your garden just in time for you to take part in the world’s biggest wildlife survey.”
The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch is back on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January 2013, giving people across the UK the chance to be part of the world’s biggest wildlife survey. To take part, people are asked to spend just one hour at any time over the weekend noting the highest number of each bird species seen in their gardens or local park at any one time. They then have three weeks to submit their results to the RSPB, either online at www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or in the post.
The Birdwatch has run for over 30 years, and over half a million people now take part, allowing the RSPB to monitor trends and understand how birds are doing.
Joyce also warned against putting out bird food in the mesh or netting it is sold in, as it can easily trap birds’ feet and beaks, causing severe injury or even death. She recommended transferring the food to a safe and suitable feeder.
For more information contact Joyce Watson’s office on 02920 898972 or at www.joycewatson.co.uk
