Co-ordin8 and the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

Once again Co-ordin8 students took part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch… How they got on?

On the day the Gods shone on us all and the rain actually stopped! This was no doubt a joy for the birds too.

Colourful bird illustrations

Together the group went online with Megan Aherne and visited the RSPB website to download and print off this year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch national survey sheets. The great thing about this survey is that it has been designed with really helpful and brilliantly coloured bird illustrations that also educate users about common British birds that may not be seen on the day. These can be attracted in the future by providing the correct food, planting and nest boxes.

Feeders and feeding stations

The students had made and stocked a range of recommended bird feeders and set up feeding stations around their church venue. These are a great way of finding out which bird species are living in your area and are now used and frequently and need topping up on a regular basis!

Name that birdsong

Firstly, an interactive game of ‘name that birdsong’ was played, using prerecorded clips. Students matched these songs to the bird images on their RSPB sheets. Fully primed, coats then went on and off we all set.

Information gathering

A journey around and outside of the grounds found a range of species and a lot of uplifting birdsong to listen to. The group information gathered on the day was recorded and will be sent to the RSPB to be collated nationally to give a picture of how our national bird populations are doing. This will then to help us all to provide for and protect these species as a valuable natural asset of ours into the future.

Helen reminds the group what we may be able to see or hear!

A large eucalyptus tree in the grounds outside had lots of birdsong coming from high up in it

Jeanette said that she really enjoyed the whole experience

Jenny Aherne and Janice Smaridge focus on what might be there!

More birdsong heard in the large trees an the very old church yard.

Sid and Brian spot pigeons and seagulls!

Philip helps the group to spot blue tits a blackbird and a robin.

Inspired

On returning indoors and after a warming cuppa the students were then all inspired to create a gallery of artwork based on their sitings. Group art pieces were also created.