Birds are counted again in January

At the beginning of January of the new year, the original wintering birds are counted again. The Birdlife Austria campaign is taking place for the 14th time and aims to show the performance of individual bird species.

Last year, the great tit won

Last year, the long-billed great tit was ahead of all other bird species, followed by domestic finches. But even sparrows have lost their feathers in the past. Pervasive soil seepage, unnatural garden design, and loss of old trees continue to make it difficult for them, like all other bird species, to survive.

4,500 participants last year

Events such as the annual bird count in January, when many birds roam around the bird feeders, are most important, says Susan Schreiner of Birdlife Austria. The Winter Bird Hour is being held for the 14th time this year – in Upper Austria alone, more people than ever before at the last census – nearly 4,500 – took part.

No anomalies expected this year

No abnormalities are expected this year – due to the extremely high temperatures and the fact that the trees didn’t produce many cones this year either, only a few birds can be seen at the bird feeders. Most important of all, Schreiner says, is for these few to be counted. The “Winter Bird Watch” takes place from January 6-8. Everyone can join in and spend an hour counting the birds in their own garden. Birdlife Austria collects, evaluates and publishes the data.