A parish-wide citizen science project#

During 2026 we are asking everyone in the parish to record the birds that visit their garden. At the end of the period, we will collate all the results and map them. This will help us understand which birds are located where around our patch. We’ll capture some details about what type of gardens and foods attract birds here. We want to look at local detail and produce ‘hot spot’ maps for both high and low bird densities. With enough evidence from people like you, we’ll be able to make recommendations about how to improve and preserve our local bird populations.

Full details of what you’ll be doing are below. If you’d like to get some more information (and a reminder!) in January, please let us have your e-mail address. It will only be used for this project, nothing else.

You do not need to be a member of Henfield Birdwatch to take part!

The Dates#

Winter 1 – 23rd to 25th January

Spring 1 – 24th to 26th April

Spring 2 – 5th to 7th June

Winter 2 – 4th – 6th December

Method#

Count for 1 hour over the weekend. All at one sitting or split up times.

Only count the highest number you see at any one time. So if you see a group of 6 Blue Tits then later see 4 more you will count 6.

Only count birds that are using the garden. This can include birds feeding over it e.g. Swallows but not birds flying way over e.g. Gulls or Buzzards.

Use the online form to submit your count. NB If you are also doing the January RSPB count use the same figures.

If you need help you can look at the bird ID section on the website. If something really stumps you please leave it out.