RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 – A golden year for Scottish finches

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2022 – A golden year for Scottish finches -

Greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, male perched on blossom (Ben Hall - rspb-images.com) — Greenfinch, *Carduelis chloris*, male perched on blossom (Ben Hall - rspb-images.com)

House Sparrow remains number one, but this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch saw a rise in the number of goldfinches recorded in Scotland and a glimmer of hope for the Red-listed greenfinch.

House Sparrow remains number one, but this year’s survey saw a rise in the number of goldfinches recorded and a glimmer of hope for the Red-listed greenfinch

Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey and gives RSPB scientists insights into how our garden birds are faring

This year over 44,000 people across Scotland took part, counting more than 800,000 birds

House Sparrows held on to the top spot, but the goldfinches were the biggest climbers of the top ten, with 43% more counted compared with last year’s RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s largest wildlife survey and gives RSPB scientists insights into how our garden birds are faring.

Now in its 43rd year, Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for people of all ages to count the number of birds that visit their garden or a local park or green space, helping the RSPB get a snapshot of how they are doing. This year over 44,000 people across Scotland took part, counting more than 800,000 birds.

After dropping 4 places in 2021, goldfinches made a partial recovery this year, climbing back up to number 8 after being recorded in almost 30% of gardens. One of our most colourful garden birds with an unmistakable bright yellow wing stripes and red face, goldfinches are attracted to plants such as teasels, dandelions and lavender. They also feed on nyjer seed which is often used in garden feeders.”

RSPB Scotland Director Anne McCall said “Nature lovers have much to be concerned about in today’s world – but the rise of the goldfinch around our homes, towns and cities is just an uplifting joy. The fact that they are doing well is for me a message for hope – that we can live alongside wildlife in a nature positive world. It’s been brilliant to see so many people taking part again this year, taking time out to watch and reconnect with birds and then generously submit their sightings to help RSPB scientists gain some insights into how our garden birds are faring.”