Be an early bird and join the RSPB NI’s Breakfast Birdwatch

RSPB NI has begun a daily Breakfast Birdwatch between 8am and 9am on weekdays, at a time when many people would have been commuting to work, doing the school run, or otherwise unable to enjoy the splendour of nature from home.

These are unprecedented times and with restrictions on how much time we are all able to spend outdoors - and with RSPB nature reserves closed until further notice - the charity believes it is vital that nature can still be enjoyed by as many people as possible, whether keen birders, parents, children, those self-isolating or anyone else able to join in.

Using #BreakfastBirdwatch on Twitter, the hope is to create a friendly, supportive and engaged community who are able to share what they can see in their gardens, on their balconies, rooftops and spaces from their own homes, all the while keeping within government guidelines in relation to Covid-19.

RSPB NI stated: “With the arrival of spring, there is so much incredible nature returning, blooming, growing and thriving outside, and while we are in the midst of an unparalleled crisis, we must not forget the power of nature, including how watching nature can be so positive for our mental health and wellbeing.”

Throughout the coming weeks, Breakfast Birdwatch will focus on different themes and different species, helping to identify what our supporters have seen and heard, and answering questions along the way.

Participants are being asked to use #BreakfastBirdwatchand #RSPBNI sharing updates, photos, videos, questions and comments (and follow @RSPBNI on Twitter)

There will be different themes, focussing on different species and helping supporters stay creative with ideas such as drawing and poetry

As outdoor activity remains limited, and with their reserves closed, RSPB NI believes it is more important than ever to ensure that people have a powerful connection with the nature on their doorstep

Another resource that the RSPB has for families looking for things to do, meanwhile, is the Wild Challenge online awards scheme. By completing fun and engaging activities, ranging from bug hotels and bird boxes to making a compost heap and planting for wildlife, participants can log their achievements on to the RSPB Wild Challenge website and collect bronze, silver and gold awards. There are more than 30 activities to choose from and each activity comes with ideas and resources. For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/wildchallenge