Big Garden Birdwatch was one of the first surveys to alert the RSPB to the decline in the number of Song Thrushes in gardens.
Since 1979 Song Thrush sightings have dropped by more than 83%. First ranked at number 10, in 2025 they came in at number 22. The number of Greenfinches recorded has also dropped by 68%, from number seven in 1979 to number 18 in 2025. Although Greenfinch populations declined in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the 1990s saw a drastic increase, but then a population crash started in the mid-2000s. The recent drop has been linked to trichomonosis, a parasite-induced disease that prevents the birds from feeding properly. Sadly, this has caused Greenfinches to be added to the red list in the 2021 Birds of Conservation Concern report. You can help stop the spread by cleaning your bird tables and feeders weekly.
Most spotted in 2025
1 House Sparrow 1,211,260
2 Blue Tit 946,698
3 Woodpigeon 859,780
4 Starling 784,741
5 Blackbird 732,472
6. Robin 518,312
7. Great Tit 484,606
8. Goldfinch 465,766
9. Magpie 449,674
10. Long-tailed Tit 379,285
Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 is coming on 23-25
Sit back, relax and watch your garden birds for an hour. It all counts.
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https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/big-garden-birdwatch
Our actions make a difference
There are plenty of things we can be doing – not just as a church but individually at home.
Jackie Orbell
Barrow Benefice ECO Church
RISBY ECO CHURCH ENVIRONMENT OFFICER
