RSPB Garden Birdwatch 2018

Here is the list of birds seen on Saturday 27th January between 08:00 - 09:00:

• Blackbird = 1
• Blue Tit = 2
• Dunnock = 1
• Goldfinch = 1
• Great Tit = 1
• Magpie = 2
• Pied Wagtail = 1
• Robin = `1
• Starling = 11
• Woodpigeon = 4
• Wren = 1

Species = 11, Total = 26. Slightly better than last year (S=9, T=20). Since recording began in 2001, the Species average is 10.5 and the Total average is 36.

The comparison chart below does not paint a pretty picture for the last couple of years. I will leave you to draw your own conclusions.

Looking at the chart for the humble House Sparrow below, it looks like my garden is following the national trend.

On a more positive note, the trend chart for the Starling is more encouraging over recent years.

Lastly, I seem to be lucky with the regular visit of a Pied Wagtail each year. I wonder if it's the same one. This does seem unlikely as I wouldn't think they live that long. The first year I remember seeing one was 2003.