RSPB appeal to take part in bird watching initiative

RSPB appeal to take part in bird watching initiative

1 April 2020

PEOPLE across the district are being encouraged to take part in a daily breakfast birdwatch.

Spearheaded by the RSPB Northern Ireland — the initiative runs between 8am and 9am — with the organisation admitting that it takes place at a time when many people would ordinarily have been commuting to work, doing the school run and unable to enjoy the splendour of nature from home. 

The organisation said that these unprecedented times and with restrictions on how much time people are all able to spend outdoors, it is vital that nature can still be enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether keen birders, parents, children, those self-isolating or anyone else able to join in. 

Using #BreakfastBirdwatch on Twitter, the RSPB hopes to create a friendly, supportive and engaged community who are able to share what they can see in their gardens, balconies, rooftops and spaces from their own homes, all the while keeping within government guidelines in relation to Covid-19. 

The RSPB says with the arrival of spring, there is so much incredible nature returning, blooming, growing and thriving outside and in the midst of an unparalleled crisis, the power of nature must not be forgotten about.

The organisation says watching nature can be so positive for mental health and wellbeing. 

Over the coming weeks, Breakfast Birdwatch will focus on different themes and different species, helping to identify what people have seen and heard and answering questions along the way. 

All those interested in taking part in the initiative are asked to use #BreakfastBirdwatch and #RSPBNI sharing updates, photos, videos, questions and comments and follow @RSPBNI on Twitter.

There will be different themes, focussing on different species and helping supporters stay creative with ideas such as drawing and poetry.

RSPB NI says that as outdoor activity remains limited and with its various reserves closed, it believes it is more important than ever to ensure that people have a powerful connection with the nature on their doorstep

Another resource that the RSPB has for families looking for things to do is the ‘wild challenge’ online awards scheme.

By completing fun and engaging activities, ranging from bug hotels and bird boxes to making a compost heap and planting for wildlife, participants can then log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards. 

There are more than 30 activities to choose from and each activity comes with helpful ideas and resources to help families on their wild adventure. 

For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge.