Get Involved With the "Garden Bird Hour" - Help Track Our Feathered Friends!
Moment of Avian Backyard Chatter - "Bird Population Census: Counting Garden Avians"
Fancy yourself as a budding ornithologist? Then grab your binoculars and join the Nature Conservation Union Germany (NABU) and the Bavarian Nature Conservation Association LBV this May as they host the "Garden Bird Hour"! During this action-packed event, bird enthusiasts from far and wide are invited to spot and count various avian visitors gracing gardens, balconies, and parks.
From the 9th to the 11th of May, nestle yourself somewhere with a view and observe the birds for an hour. Who knows, you might just catch a glimpse of the 'Bird of the Year' 2025, the redstart, as it's making its way back from its winter holiday and feeding on insects in your very own garden [1]!
Keen to participate? It's as easy as pie – simply spot the bird species you notice during your hour-long session and jot down their numbers. Once you've completed your observations, share them via the internet, through the app, or by sending them via snail mail!
By pooling our collective bird-watching efforts, the nature conservation associations hope to gain insights into the current status of various bird populations, supplementing official population trends and aiding in their conservation efforts [1].
How to Join the Fun
- Choose a one-hour timeslot during the event period announced by NABU and LBV.
- Settle in for some avian adventure and spend an hour observing the birdy guests gracing your green space.
- Note down the bird species you see, along with the number of each species.
- Submit your findings online via the NABU or LBV websites, or through their designated app.
This entertaining participation method welcomes bird enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring the event is accessible and enjoyable for all [1]. With your help, we can ensure inhabitants of the feathered variety are well-represented in data-driven conservation strategies.
Focus of Observation: Targeted Bird Species
The event focuses on common species that can be easily observed and frequent garden visitors. These include:
- European Robin (Rotkehlchen)
- Great Tit (Kohlmeise)
- Blue Tit (Blaumeise)
- House Sparrow (Haussperling)
- Blackbird (Amsel)
- Chaffinch (Buchfink)
By concentrating on these birds, NABU and LBV can gather valuable data on their populations and trends, ensuring the success of the event [1]. Keep in mind, while the precise list of species may change slightly year to year, the focus remains on common garden birds that are easily identified by the general public, thereby ensuring the event's success as a citizen-led monitoring scheme [1][2].
Hop to it, birdwatchers! Grab your gear, sharpen your senses, and join the "Garden Bird Hour" – your contributions could significantly impact bird conservation efforts in your region.
[1] https://www.nature-and-forest.de/[2] Data on German bird monitoring schemes
- Engage in environmental-science by joining the Garden Bird Hour event, where you can contribute to the scientific monitoring of common bird species by spending an hour spotting and counting various avian visitors, such as European Robin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird, and Chaffinch, in your community, and sharing your observations online, helping to inform community policy and environmental protection efforts.
- Protect the environment and improve health through practices such as gardening and birdwatching, by participating in the Garden Bird Hour event during May, where you can observe and record the presence of common birds like the European Robin, Great Tit, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Blackbird, and Chaffinch, in your home and garden, contributing valuable data to conservation efforts, and promoting a lifestyle that benefits both you and the environment.
