This year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, which begins on Friday, could reveal some surprise migratory visitors thanks to cold and unsettled weather in Europe.
The annual survey, the world’s largest garden wildlife count, takes place from 23 to 25 January. The RSPB says the cold spell may prompt more fieldfares and redwings to seek shelter in the UK’s relatively mild winter conditions.
Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “When compared with places such as Norway and Sweden, the UK has relatively warm winters, and we get large numbers of migratory birds from all over Europe. But numbers change every year depending on the weather – with the recent cold spell you may see some surprise migratory visitors outside your window.”
Last year, almost 600,000 people took part, counting more than 9 million birds of over 80 species, including about 3,000 fieldfares and redwings. In 2025, the woodpigeon became the third most recorded bird, behind the house sparrow (top for the 22nd consecutive year) and the blue tit.
The survey asks participants to spend an hour watching birds in their garden or local park and submit results to the RSPB. A parallel event for schools will take place during the first week of the spring term in February.
