Scots urged to get involved in RSPB's 'vital' annual Big Garden Birdwatch

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Scots are being urged to take part in RSPB’s “vital” annual Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend to do their bit for nature. Some 40,000 nature-lovers in Scotland took part last year, counting more than 80,000 birds of nearly 50 species - once again highlighting the importance of our gardens for the nation’s wildlife.

This year, researchers are keen to find out how big an impact the recent cold snap might have had on bird behaviours. The yearly bird-watching event, which runs from January 24-26, simply requires people to spend an hour watching birds in their garden or in a local greenspace and take notes on what they see.

The Big Garden Birdwatch, which launched in 1979, is the largest citizen science survey in the UK with more than 600,000 participants last year.Anne McCall, RSPB Scotland director, said: “Big Garden Birdwatch is always a highlight in the January calendar.

It’s a fantastic excuse to down tools and really connect with the wildlife around you.“Nothing beats catching a glimpse of one of our precious garden birds to brighten up the day.