Almost 500 people in the Isle of Man took part in the world’s biggest wildlife survey earlier this year, the RSPB has revealed.
In the Isle of Man house sparrows swooped into poll position after being spotted in 86 per cent of gardens, closely followed by starlings and then chaffinches.
House sparrows are red-listed (of high conservation concern) in the UK and in the Isle Man, so seeing so many in our gardens proves what an important habitat this is.
It was good news too for jackdaws, who made it into the top five, moving up from seventh place last year and collared doves who moved from 10th to eighth.
However, gorgeous goldfinches dropped one place and blue tits fell down to eighth place. More unusual sightings included migrants like redwings and bramblings, as well as goldcrests – the UK’s joint smallest bird.
Manx Birdlife works in partnership with RSPB to conserve the Manx birds and their habitats. For the last 15 years Manx Birdlife has been running a weekly Garden Birdwatch scheme in the Isle of Man.
At the moment the scheme counts with only 73 dedicated birdwatchers.
It would mean a great deal if more people would join the Isle of Man scheme. All you need to do is to send your address details to enquiries@manxbirdlife.im or visit Manx Birdlife website for more details: http://manxbirdlife.im/our-work2/garden-birdwatch/
Amy Colvin from RSPB NI, said: ‘During winter, birds need extra food and water, a safe place to shelter and make their home. Gardens providing these things are an invaluable resource for birds and are likely to have a significant effect on their numbers, perhaps even playing a pivotal role in reversing some declines. We hope Big Garden Birdwatch has helped people understand how birds rely on our gardens, and has encouraged them to take steps to give nature a home all year round.”
Overall more than eight-and-a-half million birds were spotted during Big Garden Birdwatch 2015.
More than half a million people across the UK spent an hour during the weekend of January 24 and 25 watching their garden and recording any feathered friends that made a flying visit.
As part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, thousands of children and young people also took part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch in their playgrounds during January and February, including six on the Isle of Man.
Big Garden Birdwatch and Big Schools’ Birdwatch are a part of the RSPB’s Giving Nature a Home campaign, aimed at tackling the housing crisis facing the UK’s threatened wildlife. To find out how you can give nature a home where you live visit rspb.org.uk/homes