RSPB’s Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes flight during lockdown
Gather your children, ready your binoculars and scan your gardens for everything from aquatic warblers to yellowhammers as the RSPB celebrates its Big Schools’ Birdwatch.
While this year marks the event’s 20th anniversary, it is a little different than most due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Across the UK, school children are pushing aside their pencils and taking a break from their remote learning.
Instead, the RSPB is asking them to fill up their bird feeders in their gardens or take notes from the playground as they record how many birds they can spot.
Lucy Hodson, a spokesperson from the RSPB, says the event provides a great opportunity for kids to get outside and engage with nature.
She said: “We know its good for our mental health, for our physical health like air quality, getting outside and it’s just escapism. It’s just getting away from the hustle and bustle.
“And, as we know, nature is declining in so many areas – and so many species are in trouble – that we need people to take action and that kind of passion sparks when you are very young.”
Last year, 60,000 children took part in the event. Yet, this year, with playgrounds quieter, Lucy expects the number of birds spotted to set new records as our feathered friends may feel a little bolder than other years.
And, with families locked down together, more parents will be able to help their little ones. Jody Darlington has been joining in the event from home with her six-year-old daughter, Caydee.
“It’s been really great to be honest. I usually only get to see the finished pieces of work, like any parent does.
“This year it’s been so nice to actually get the opportunity to take part with Caydee and get involved with the work she is actually doing for the Big Schools’ Birdwatch: planning her activities, helping her decide what to do.
“I’m just seeing it all in action. It’s been really, really good,” said Jody.
As part of this year’s birdwatch, Caydee is drawing everything from woodpigeons to bee-eaters and comparing her records of birds spotted that day with her family and friends who are also participating.
The six-year-old said: “I’ve been doing lots of schoolwork, drawing birds with my binoculars and spotting them in the garden and made a huge list of all the birds I could find.”
It’s not too late to have a go yourself with your little ones as the Big Schools’ Birdwatch runs until 22nd February. And you may even find a love for birds as strong as Caydee’s
Caydee adds: “My favourite bird is the seagull because they are really cheeky and one time I saw it steal someone’s food.”
Also, why not test your knowledge and see how well you know our feathered friends here.
