House Sparrow tops Cornwall’s Big Garden Birdwatch results with nearly 8,500 participants
Across the UK there were more than 650,000 participants
This year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch in Cornwall saw the House Sparrow emerge as the most frequently spotted bird, with nearly 8,500 people participating in the county.
The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, which is the world's largest garden wildlife survey, involved more than 650,000 participants across the UK who counted over nine million birds.
Now, the RSPB are urging the public to make simple seasonal changes to bird feeding habits to help protect their health.
In response to the findings, the RSPB is releasing new advice asking people to adjust feeding practices, particularly during summer and autumn when the risks of disease spreading increase.
From 1st May to 31st October, gardeners are recommended to pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to prevent large gatherings of birds, which could facilitate disease transmission.
The RSPB suggests continuing to offer small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet throughout the year.
To ensure bird health, the RSPB advises weekly cleaning and relocating of feeders, daily changing of water and retiring flat-surfaced feeders.
The Greensfinch has notably suffered a decline, primarily due to the disease trichomonosis. The bird, now on the UK Red List, has seen average numbers drop 67% since the survey began in 1979.
The RSPB's chief executive, Beccy Speight, noted, “Feeding birds is something millions love, yet it's important to do it in ways that protect their long-term health.”
In addition to seasonal feeding adjustments, bird-friendly planting, such as sunflowers, teasels, and ivy, can aid birds in sourcing safer natural food sources.