Garden BirdWatch Instructions

Common Questions

Should I Record birds in flight?

One question that is asked on a regular basis is whether or not to record birds seen in flight above your garden. Because we are interested in birds that are using the resources that your garden provides, most birds seen in flight above your garden would not be recorded. There are some instances when a bird seen in flight will be using your garden and one of the best examples of this is when low-flying Swifts, Swallows and House Martins are hawking for insects. Often this happens in the evening or on a dull day, times when aerial insects are low to the ground. Use your commonsense and be consistent from one week to the next in the way that you record.

How can I make sure my form goes through the scanner?

Over 5% of the completed count forms we receive each quarter do not pass through the scanner first time. You can help to ensure that your forms go through first time by following these simple guidelines. 1. Check that you have marked the correct season and year. 2. Only mark one box on each line. 3. Don't use a pen that bleeds through to the other side of the form. 4. Only fold forms once, along the perforated line. 5. Do not write any notes on the form, use a Post-it note, stuck to the front of the form, to record any notes or errors that need attention.

Do I have to feed my birds to take part in Garden BirdWatch?

The simple answer is No! We are interested in receiving observations from all kinds of gardens, including both those where food is provided and where food is not provided. Because we keep a record of the food being provided on a weekly basis (Table C on the Count Form), we can look at how the provision of food can influence the birds that appear.

What should I do if I go away on holiday?

If you go away on holiday then you simply leave blank the weeks on the recording form for when you are away. It is sensible to gradually reduce the amount of food you are putting out prior to your departure, so the birds have begun to find alternative sources of food before your food runs out.