RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026

• The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch is the largest garden wildlife survey in the world and provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK.   

• In 2025, almost 600,000 people across the UK took part, counting more than 9 million birds.   

• RSPB says that the recent cold and unsettled weather across Europe and the UK could mean a bumper year for migratory birds such as Fieldfare and Redwing.

Cold and unsettled weather in Europe could make 2026 a bumper year for migratory birds in gardens, says the RSPB today as it launches its annual Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey.  

This year’s event takes place on 23, 24 and 25 January 2026, and experts say a cold spell in the UK coupled with the extreme cold weather that's been seen across Europe, could mean an exciting year for the Big Garden Birdwatch. People may even see larger numbers of migratory birds such as Fieldfare or Redwing in their local outside space.  
 
These birds spend a large proportion of the year on the continent, but each year many fly from as far away as Poland and Scandinavia to spend the winters in the relatively mild UK. When there’s particularly cold weather, or less food availability on the continent, many more choose to make the journey.  

Last year saw around 3,000 Redwing and Fieldfare recorded in the Big Garden Birdwatch (3,201 and 2,885 respectively).  

Almost 600,000 people took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch in 2025, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species – an amazing achievement. The survey provides a valuable snapshot of how our most common garden birds are faring and taking part is one positive way to take action for birds and nature.   

The Birdwatch, which started in 1979, has become the UK’s biggest citizen science wildlife survey. Over that time, more than 200 million birds have been counted and over 12.6 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds. People across the UK are asked to spend an hour watching and counting the birds in their garden or local park, or from their balcony, then send their results to the RSPB. 

Beccy Speight, the RSPB’s Chief Executive, said: “When compared to places such as Norway and Sweden, the UK has relatively warm winters, and we get large numbers of migratory birds from all over Europe, which travel here seeking shelter, food, and water. But numbers change every year depending on what the weather is like there and here – with the recent cold spell you may see some surprise migratory visitors outside your window! But whether you see a Redwing, your regular local Robin, or even if you don’t see anything, every observation counts.  

“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour this weekend counting the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing too.” 

Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world. 2025 results revealed that House Sparrow was still ranked number one for the 22nd year in a row. However, numbers were down 11% compared to 2024. Average House Sparrow counts were the lowest since 1998 and down 64% compared to the first BGBW in 1979. Starlings dropped out of UK’s top three garden birds at the lowest average count ever recorded. [note 2]   

Average Woodpigeon counts increased, largely mirroring the national trend in breeding population. Average counts in 2025 were the highest ever recorded in Big Garden Birdwatch. It is the first time Woodpigeon has been ranked in 3rd place at a UK level.    

Beccy added: “Even on the greyest winter day, our local birds bring a welcome dose of wildness and nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us. By joining the Big Garden Birdwatch you’re doing something positive for birds and nature. Because when we act for nature together, we can do so much more.”  

To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2026, watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days. Only count the birds that land, not those flying over. Tell us the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.  

To take part in this year's Big Garden Birdwatch, visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.    

The parallel event RSPB Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of spring term, 6 January – 13 February 2026. For more than 20 years, the Birdwatch has helped to connect children and their teachers with nature in their school grounds. Registration for Big Schools’ Birdwatch is now live. Further information can be found at www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.