Yesterday afternoon, all the children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 took part in the RSPB Big Garden birdwatch. We had prepared the feeding station the previous week in order to encourage our local birds into the area. The children then spent the afternoon observing the different types of birds who were visiting the feeders and surrounding environment from a hide constructed in the school greenhouse. The sightings were recorded on the RSPB record sheets.  

We recorded a wide range of different species throughout the afternoon from Robins and Blackbirds to Starlings and Chaffinches. However, the highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of a Goldcrest, which is one of Britain’s smallest and shyest residents. It was a really fantastic afternoon that the children all enjoyed hugely and the data that we collected will form part of the RSPB’s ongoing research into the health of our garden bird populations. This research is vital for our understanding not only of trends within bird populations but also gives us an insight into the health of wider local food webs of which they form a significant part. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the children who took part and to Mrs Day for preparing the feeders, setting up the hide and being an enthusiastic participant throughout the afternoon. Hopefully, next year will be just as successful! 

Mr Darling