UK Birdwatch: Tits Thrive, Greenfinch Worries

The recent Big Garden Birdwatch saw over 650,000 participants in the UK, with results indicating varied fortunes for garden birds. Blackbirds, starlings, woodpigeons, and robins experienced notable declines in average counts compared to the previous year. Ornithologists suggest a growing interest in simpler activities like birdwatching.

In contrast, the tit family, including blue, great, coal, and long-tailed tits, had an excellent breeding season in 2026, attributed to favorable summer weather. Blue tits, in particular, showed the largest percentage increase in average UK counts. This marks a general improvement for tits since the survey's inception.

However, the greenfinch is a significant concern, having dropped to 18th place from seventh since 1979. Its population has plummeted over the past two decades, largely due to trichomonosis disease. The RSPB advises against filling feeders in warmer months, recommending weekly cleaning and avoiding certain feeder types to curb disease spread.

Experts emphasize the need to support ecosystems rather than create 'fast food restaurants' for birds, advocating for native plants like lavender and sunflowers. The ring-necked parakeet, an invasive species, has also become increasingly common in some areas, notably Greater London.