North East results of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
THE results from Big Garden Birdwatch 2026 show that the humble House Sparrow remains a beak ahead of the rest in terms of the country’s most populous bird, holding on to the number one spot again.
The Blue Tit remains at number two, with the Starling creeping up one place to number three, while the Woodpigeon and Blackbird make up the other top five most recorded species in UK gardens.
Over 650,000 people took part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey earlier this year, counting more than nine million birds of over 80 species, providing an annual snapshot of how our most common garden birds are faring.
In the Tees Valley, Tyne and Wear and County Durham, the House Sparrow, Starling and Blue Tit were all interchangeably in the top three but in Northumberland the Blackbird made it to the number three spot. Across the Northeast around 19,000 people took part.
However, it is further down the garden rankings where the real story lies that the RSPB wants to highlight.
At 18th spot on the list is Greenfinch, which has seen a 67% decline in average numbers recorded since Big Garden Birdwatch began in 1979. Other UK-wide surveys show that Greenfinches have dropped by over 65% since the latest UK wide surveys began in the mid‑1990s, equating to the loss of over two million birds.
The cause of these losses is disease, especially a disease called trichomonosis, which spreads more easily when birds gather around feeders—particularly in summer and autumn. As a result of these declines, Greenfinches are now on the UK Red List due to disease-related declines.
With the help of other experts, RSPB scientists have taken a fresh look at what happens when bird feeding. It turns out the picture is quite mixed: there are clear benefits, but also some risks.
The RSPB’s chief executive, Beccy Speight said: “Feeding birds is something millions of us love and value but the science shows us that birds such as Greenfinches have been affected by the spread of disease at feeders.”
Despite the risks, feeding garden birds remains hugely beneficial when done safely and at appropriate times of year. The RSPB is asking the public to adopt simple seasonal changes that will help protect bird health in the long term.
The message is simple: Feed safely. Feed seasonally.
Feed seasonally – It’s important to adjust what we feed garden birds during the summer and autumn months when there’s a higher risk of disease spreading.
- From May 1st to Octobe 31st: Pause filling bird feeders with seed and peanuts to prevent too many birds gathering in one place. It’s okay to keep offering small amounts of mealworms, fat balls, or suet year-round.
Feed safely – Just one infected bird can turn a busy feeder into a disease hotspot. To help keep birds healthy, prioritise hygiene.
- Clean and move feeders weekly: Get into the habit of giving feeders a good clean at least once a week. If possible, place feeders in a different spot after each clean to prevent the build-up of contaminated debris underneath. Any existing debris should be cleared up.
- Change water daily: Only offer water if it can be changed every day and make sure it’s tap water. Water baths should also be cleaned weekly.
- Retire flat-surfaced feeders: Research has confirmed there’s a higher risk of the disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect for other birds to eat. This means bidding a fond farewell to feeders that have any flat surfaces – including bird tables.
