The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, which provides a snapshot of how garden birds are faring in the UK, will take place on January 24, 25, and 26.
In 2024, more than 600,000 people across the UK took part, counting more than nine million birds.
In Cheshire, more than 12,000 people participated, with the house sparrow taking the top spot as the most commonly seen bird, followed by the blue tit and wood pigeon.
The RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight, said: “At its heart, Big Garden Birdwatch is an opportunity for people to spend an hour watching, enjoying, and connecting with the wildlife on their doorstep.
“From chirpy house sparrows to acrobatic blue tits, the entertaining antics of our garden birds can brighten even the dullest day and bring a welcome dose of nature into our everyday lives.
“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK, play an important role in helping us understand how garden birds are doing.
“With the nature and climate emergency threatening even our most familiar birds, every count matters.
“It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing.”
(Image: RSPB) The event, which started in 1979, has become a much-loved annual citizen science event, giving the RSPB a valuable snapshot of how garden birds are doing in the UK.
Over the years, 195 million birds have been counted and nearly 12.1 million hours spent watching and counting garden birds.
Last year’s UK-wide Big Garden Birdwatch results revealed that the house sparrow held the top spot for another year as the most commonly spotted bird, with the blue tit riding high at number two and starling coming in at number three.
Woodpigeon and blackbird made up the remainder of the top five most recorded species.
Although 1.4 million house sparrows were spotted across the January weekend last year, they have sadly suffered severe declines.
Average numbers spotted in gardens, parks and community spaces have dropped 60 per cent since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.
Over its four decades, Big Garden Birdwatch has highlighted the winners and losers in the garden bird world.
The blue tit and great tit, much-loved garden species, have seen their average numbers rise by 24 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.
(Image: RSPB) While species such as the starling, currently at number two in the Big Garden Birdwatch charts, has seen its numbers drop by more than 80 per cent since 1979.
Ms Speight added: “Whether you live in a city or the countryside, anyone, anywhere can take part in Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden.
“All you need is an hour to spend watching the birds in your local green space.
“When we come together for nature, we can do great things.
“Join us for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 and together let’s take action to help birds and other wildlife thrive for generations to come.”
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 in Cheshire, watch the birds on your balcony, in your garden or in your local green space for one hour at some point over the three days.
Only count the birds that land, not those flying over.
Note the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.
Registration for Big Garden Birdwatch 2025 is open now until January 26, 2025.
To receive your free postal or digital Big Garden Birdwatch guide, which includes a bird identification chart, top tips for your Birdwatch, RSPB shop voucher, and advice on how to attract wildlife to your garden, text BIRD to 82727, or visit their website.