Song Thrush
Surfbirds News: RSPB Archives
2007 winter sees fewer birds in our gardens
The RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch - 2007 results.
The RSPB believes milder winter temperatures across Europe and bumper fruit crops in hedgerows and woodlands contributed to more birds feeding in the countryside and fewer visiting UK gardens during the winter. The RSPB’s 2007 Big Garden Birdwatch results show smaller numbers of several songbirds in gardens, most notably those whose winter numbers are usually swelled by seasonal migrants from the continent.
Song Thrush, copyright Nigel Blake
Blackbirds, song thrushes
and
robins
were at their lowest levels in gardens for five years. Above-average winter temperatures across Europe have resulted in reduced migration to the UK and consequently, numbers of song thrushes and blackbirds spotted in gardens have declined by nearly two thirds (65 per cent) and a quarter (25 per cent) respectively in a single year.
Ruth Davis, the RSPB’s Head of Climate Change Policy, said: “As our climate changes the distribution of birds will change and they will adapt their behaviour. A snap-shot in winter gives only part of the picture, but the varying birds visiting our gardens is one example of the impact climate change is having on the natural world.
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