Press Releases - September/October 2006
Item 4

23 September 2006

Coming to a garden near you

The British Trust for Ornithology have just published the results of the Garden Bird Feeding Survey (GBFS), for the 2005/06 winter and these make very interesting reading; 83 species turned up to dine. 2005/06 will be remembered as the coldest winter in a decade, resulting in very busy garden bird tables. Some species such as Goldfinch recorded their highest attendance levels since the survey began 36 years ago.

The top three species Robin, Blackbird and Blue Tit were seen in 99% of all gardens surveyed, brightening many gardens. Siskins were seen in higher than usual numbers, with a flock of 350 strong descending on one Kent garden. A dozen species (see Notes to Editors) reached their all time highest levels in the 36 year history of the project. While in comparison House Sparrow, Song Thrush and Starling hit their all time low.

The Garden Bird Feeding Survey takes place every winter and aims to monitor changes in which birds are turning up in gardens, what foods they are eating and how gardens are being used. BTO scientists use this information to understand how bird populations are changing, both in terms of their size and their habits. It seems likely that things will continue to change over the coming years, as the impacts of changes in land use and climate continue.

Throughout the United Kingdom 83 different bird species were noted taking food during the winter, including some spectacular birds such as Red Kite and Barn Owl.

David Glue, Research Biologist at the BTO states ”The secret to attracting a variety of birds into your garden is to supply a mix of different foods. Blackcaps were seen feeding on banana, apple, cake, pastry, cheese, raisins, sunflower seeds and even porridge oats!”

When feeding birds in your garden here are five top tips to follow:

1. Provide a supply of fresh water as seed eaters get very thirsty.
2. Keep your feeding station clean to prevent the spread of disease, ideally bird tables and the ground beneath should be swept clean daily to remove droppings and any uneaten food.
3. Bird feed should be stored in a clean, dry and cool environment, this will minimise the risk of fungal or bacterial contamination.
4. Buy your food from a reputable source.
5. Observe personal hygiene.

A leaflet on hygiene and garden birds is available from the BTO by writing to GBW Hygiene Leaflet, Room 40, BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.

To find out what could be coming to a garden near you this winter, simply start up a feeding station and take part in one of the BTO’s exciting garden based surveys and who knows what surprises may be in store for you.

For further information on the BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch contact the GBW team, at BTO, The Nunnery, Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU. Tel: 01842 750050 or e-mail

Notes to Editors

1. The Garden Bird Feeding Survey was set in motion in Winter 1970/71 to explore the impact of supplementary feeding on the UK’s wild birds and is the longest running survey of its kind in the world. Each winter, 250 gardeners record birds that visit feeders. The gardens are chosen for their location and type and are recruited from BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch participants who have indicated particular interest in, and aptitude for, taking on additional bird recording activities.

2. The BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch. The BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch is the only nationwide survey of garden birds to run weekly throughout the year, providing important information on how birds use gardens, and how this use changes over time. Currently, some 16,500 people take part in the project. The BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch is funded by participants’ contributions and supported by CJ WildBird Foods Ltd and is the largest year round survey of garden birds anywhere in the world. For more information see www.bto.org/gbw

3. The birds that reached record highs were; Goldfinch, Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Bullfinch, Lesser Redpoll, Magpie, Woodpigeon, Carrion Crow, Pheasant, Herring Gull and Sparrowhawk.

4. Colour photographs. Images of garden birds are freely available for use in association with this press release. Please contact to request an electronic version.

5. The BTO has an ISDN line available for radio interviews.

For further information please contact:

Paul Stancliffe on 01842 750050, (mobile) 07845 900559 or e-mail: press@bto.org during office hours
David Glue on 01442 822341
Mike Toms on 01842 750050 or e-mail: during office hours
Graham Appleton on 01842 750050, (mobile) 07704 847935 or e-mail:

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