DOING nothing: that's exactly how I spent an hour this weekend, as encouraged by the RSPB for its Big Garden Bird Watch.
Anyone who feeds the birds in their garden will already know how easy it is to lose track of time when watching the frenetic activity around the feeders.
But now this idling has been legitimised by the RSPB.
We are positively encouraged to stand and stare, and all in the name of science and conservation!
What a great way to enjoy birdwatching. Briefly, it entails:
1. Ensuring garden bird feeders are topped up with bird food;
2. Placing comfortable seat close to window with good view of feeders;
3. Having refreshment close to hand (I prefer a cuppa and a few biccies);
4. Sitting back and enjoying the next hour, watching and counting the birds in the garden.
The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch has been running since 1979 when it was devised as a simple activity for its YOC members.
All across the country children were asked to simultaneously count the birds in their garden to help the RSPB identify the UK top 10 species.
Since that humble beginning, BGBW has grown into a garden bird phenomenon, with last year some 470,000 participants surveying 270,000 gardens.
All people are required to do is to record the species and maximum number of birds per species that appear in their garden during a single hour at any time over the weekend.
To make identification even easier, the RSPB has produced an accurate ID chart of the birds most likely to be seen.
The results form can be posted to the RSPB or completed on-line.
The wealth of data produced by this citizen science project has enabled the RSPB to chart the trends in the success of our most popular feathered friends, and the influence of climate and habitat change upon them.
The news is mixed, as there are definite winners and losers in the great survival contest.
For example, the House Sparrow is still the most common visitor to our feeders, although its numbers have declined by over 50% since the start of the project.
The Robin, the popular gardener's assistant, has also suffered a decline over the years, but comparative newcomers such as Collared Doves and Goldfinches are capitalising on this easy food source to supplement their wild diet.
The project underlines the important role that our suburban gardens have to play in maintaining crucial habitat for the wildlife in this country - how a source of water to drink, a safe bush in which to perch and a regular source of good-quality food can make a difference to the survival of birds we have been taking for granted.
So go on, pull up a chair and make yourself comfortable, and do your bit for conservation and science by doing nothing in the garden.
