Last month we took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch at three locations on Streatham Campus (organised by Rosalind Shaw, Sustainability Manager for Biodiversity) and on Penryn Campus (organised by Jake Causley, Sustainability Coordinator for Falmouth University), dodging the blustery weather to contribute to this vital citizen science project.
This national wildlife survey helps us understand how our garden birds are faring- and what a brilliant time we had, with staff, students and the local community coming together to spot birds for an hour.
Streatham Campus Highlights:
- In the Lower Hoopern Valley, our intrepid birders spotted two large, colourful beauties – the Green Woodpecker and the Jay.
- The walled garden near Reed Hall was a hotspot, with sightings of 16 species, including three stunning Goldcrests, their vibrant yellow-striped heads catching our eye.
Penryn Campus Highlights:
- Our dedicated birders recorded 14 species, including the only bird of prey across both campuses – a striking Sparrowhawk!
- A Song Thrush was seen here, as well as up in Exeter, which is wonderful news given the counts have declined by a shocking 85% since the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979!
Across all sites, we saw a total of 22 bird species, each with unique lifestyles:
The Green Woodpecker bores into trees for insects.
🌾 The Goldfinch, with its specialized beak, loves seeds from plants like dandelions and thistles.
♻️ The Carrion Crow, nature’s “cleaner-upper,” eats all sorts- not just carrion!
Want to help birds thrive in your garden?
- Leave seedheads standing, for winter seed eaters.
- build a nestbox for shelter.
- Use bushes and shrubs to create safe nesting sites.
A huge thank you to all who braved the weather to take part in this amazing effort! Special thanks to Lucy and Adam from the Exeter Grounds Team who helped with their amazing bird skills and to all of our University of Exeter Grounds Team and FX Plus Grounds Team in Penryn who manage our campuses. Together, we’re helping to protect and support our feathered friends. 🌳💚
What birds have you spotted in your garden? Share your sightings and tips in the comments! 👇
Images: Nicola Corrigan
#BigGardenBirdwatch #RSPB #BirdWatching #WildlifeConservation #NatureLovers 🕊️✨