The big weekend has arrived! 🐦 What would you add to the #BigGardenBirdwatch starter pack... - ThreadSky

rspb.bsky.social • 36 days ago

The big weekend has arrived! 🐦

What would you add to the #BigGardenBirdwatch starter pack...

Comments

lovetheplanet.bsky.social•36 days ago

My mobile phone with the Merlin app running. Brilliant for identifying birds by their calls.

cheesefortress.bsky.social•35 days ago

Also funny to practice bird calls with its playback, I've got the great horned owl down so it IDs me as one so far 🦉

alswifejacky.bsky.social•36 days ago

I love the Merlin app, it has taught me so much about the birds that visit my garden and beyond. I live in London and have been surprised at the diversity of garden birds that are thriving in an urban environment.

lovetheplanet.bsky.social•35 days ago

Me too. Love the life list to get a list of all the species you've seen. And I am even learning a few Latin names too.

julietmckee.bsky.social•36 days ago

I have a question (sorry I’m confused). ‘Record the highest number of bird species you see at any one time’. So I’m not counting individual birds, just noting which species there are more of? How frequently? First timer and somewhat confused.

lovetheplanet.bsky.social•36 days ago

You are just noting the max number of any one species you see in one go to avoid counting the same bird twice. So if you see 3 Robins at same time, you know you have at least 3 individuals in your garden.

julietmckee.bsky.social•35 days ago

So then I would just count 3 Robins for the hour? It’s not how many times I see them?

(Sorry🥴)

lovetheplanet.bsky.social•35 days ago

It's to make sure you aren't counting the same individual more than once which would give an inflated idea of population size. Blooming birds make it hard to work out because they flit about so much. If only they would sit in a row while you counted!

julietmckee.bsky.social•35 days ago

I look forward to trying to count the Long Tailed Tits.😁

hopeoverexperience.bsky.social•35 days ago

Correct. If you saw all three at one go, write down three. Not often poss to see three all at the same time, but poss, esp if two are singing and one is feeding while you are weeding.

julietmckee.bsky.social•35 days ago

Thanks for clarifying that for me.

2blueyettis.bsky.social•36 days ago

Maybe add a sketchpad to scribble your favorite bird?

abi-goulding.bsky.social•36 days ago

A mug to drink the tea from!

abi-goulding.bsky.social•36 days ago

And some chocolate cake - biscuits don’t quite cut it…

jphendo.bsky.social•36 days ago

Given the weather, a windproof coat may be a good idea.

swimmingjan.bsky.social•35 days ago

A bird feeder that’s not blown down 💨

kelseyursula.bsky.social•35 days ago

Thank you for selling vegan suet cakes! I know how important a fat source is for birds at this time of year, so I usually have to make my own with seed and coconut oil, but this has made life much easier 😁 Looking forward to the #BigGardenBirdwatch

markamies.bsky.social•35 days ago

That's interesting. I have taken part over the last few years, and normally get an email reminder. Not this year. I'll try and fit it in, but today is a write off, as I'll be out.

isobelstarling.bsky.social•36 days ago

I'm concerned as to whether this is wise - seeing as some places in the UK will be experiencing high winds all weekend and birds will be scarce.

hopeoverexperience.bsky.social•36 days ago

Average count so far is 29! Seems very, very high, unless everyone is gathering around feeders at reserves.

isobelstarling.bsky.social•35 days ago

My count is one. Just a magpie struggling in the wind.

everytimereferee.bsky.social•36 days ago

A big sign that says
"SHUSH! on official birding business"

everytimereferee.bsky.social•36 days ago

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