The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch, the world’s largest garden wildlife survey, returns on January 26, 27 and 28.

Last year more than nine million birds were counted across the UK. This January we hope even more of you will join us in the counting the birds on their Devon doorsteps.

Across the Big Garden Birdwatch weekend pick one hour to watch and record the birds that land - not those flying overhead - in either your garden, balcony, or local park. Then submit your results to the RSPB. We want to know the highest number of each bird species you spot at any one time – not the total you see in the hour.

So, for example, if during the hour you see two bluetits on your bird feeder, then five, then eight, then two. Record eight bluetits, as this is the highest number of bluetits you saw at any one time during that hour.

Text BIRD to 82727 or visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch to receive your FREE Big Garden Birdwatch guide, including a bird ID chart, top tips for birdwatching, RSPB shop voucher, and more. So please, give us an hour of your time over this important weekend and help your local birds and wildlife thrive for generations to come.

Win a Big Garden Birdwatch Hamper

Devon Life has teamed up with the RSPB to give our readers the chance of winning a Big Garden Birdwatch Ultimate Hamper worth £400. Included in the hamper is: seed feeder and feed; window feeder starter pack; bird feeder cleaning kit; hedgehog home and food; bee home; RSPB Garden Birds book; RSPB Avocet Binoculars; Big Garden Birdwatch mug and Bird & Wild coffee; RSPB Cluedo board game and two singing toy birds.

To have a chance of winning this fabulous RSPB hamper all you need to do is add your answer and fill in your details in this link.

Competition closes 6pm on January 10, 2024.

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