According to early trends from “Winter Bird Time 2024”, more birds were recorded in gardens this year, but the long-term trend shows a decline in bird sightings in gardens. Great tits were recorded more frequently this year.
On average, this year there were 32 birds per count site that were observed at this year's “Winter Bird Hour”: Based on around 16,800 reports received so far (as of Tuesday morning), the following picture emerges: The great tit was by far the most common winter bird in the settlement area, followed by sparrows and house sparrows. Last year, the most frequently counted birds were sparrows and house sparrows.
On average, around 32 birds flew to home gardens on the numbered days this year (January 5 to 7, 2024). This was significantly higher than the previous year, when – at 26 birds per garden – there were fewer birds than ever in the residential area. The absence of birds at the winter bird hour in 2023 was due to the year of fir and beech trees and the false spring at the beginning of the year with extremely warm temperatures, so the birds tended to remain outside the nesting areas.
Long-term negative trend
The long-term trend over the 15-year count series (2010 to 2024) shows a continued decrease in the number of birds per count site, which is related to the frequency of tree mast years, the reduced influx of northern birds and the lack of solid snow and ice cover at the time of the count. Furthermore, birds do not find ideal living conditions in the numerous gardens designed in an unnatural way.
In the entire count series, the average value is 36 birds per garden. The count took place for the 15th time this year. Over these years, the number of birds per garden has steadily decreased. The final result of the Winter Bird Hour 2024 will be available after evaluating all reports on January 22, 2024. (cim)