A spell of colder weather across parts of mainland Europe could bring more winter migrant birds into the UK over the coming days, giving participants in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 a better chance of spotting species that are not commonly seen in local gardens.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is holding this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch from 23 to 25 January 2026. During the annual survey, people spend one hour counting the birds they see in a garden, park, balcony or other outdoor space before submitting their observations. The information helps build one of the UK’s largest long-term wildlife datasets.
Cold weather in Europe can change what appears in UK gardens
When freezing temperatures spread across northern and eastern Europe, many birds head west in search of places where food remains easier to find. Although the UK experiences cold weather during winter, conditions are often milder than in Scandinavia and parts of eastern Europe, making British gardens, hedgerows and farmland attractive temporary feeding areas.
This seasonal movement increases the likelihood of seeing winter visitors such as redwings and fieldfares. Both species belong to the thrush family and arrive in Britain during the colder months after breeding further north and east.
How to identify redwings and fieldfares
Redwings are the UK’s smallest winter thrush. They can be recognised by the reddish-orange patches beneath their wings, pale eyebrow stripe and distinctive high-pitched call that is often heard as flocks fly overhead.
Fieldfares are larger, with grey heads, chestnut backs and heavily spotted breasts. They often travel in groups and can be seen feeding across open lawns, orchards and berry-filled hedgerows during cold weather.
Why the Big Garden Birdwatch remains important
The Birdwatch has been running for decades and provides conservation experts with long-term information about changes in bird populations. Because the same simple counting method is used each year, the results help track trends that would otherwise be difficult to detect.
Recent surveys continue to record familiar garden species including house sparrows, robins, blue tits and blackbirds, while also showing long-term declines in birds such as starlings. Every submitted count adds another piece to that national picture.
Migration is influenced by changing weather, food availability and habitat conditions across Europe. Those seasonal movements are also highlighted during World Migratory Bird Day 2026 , which focuses on protecting birds throughout their migration routes.
Tips for spotting winter visitors
Don’t focus only on bird feeders. Redwings and fieldfares often search for berries, fallen fruit and worms on open grass, beneath shrubs and around hedgerows, particularly after frosty nights.
Early morning is often the best time to watch. Standing quietly for several minutes can reveal birds arriving briefly to feed before continuing their winter journey.
A simple survey with lasting scientific value
Anyone can take part without specialist equipment. Participants record the highest number of each species seen at one time during a single hour, helping avoid counting the same birds more than once.
Combined with observations from across the UK, those records provide valuable evidence about migration, habitat quality and the health of bird populations over time.
Official guidance, bird identification resources and result submission details are available on the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch website.
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