The UK could see more rare birds in 2026 thanks to cold and unsettled weather in Europe, the RSPB have said.
Bird watchers may have a better chance at spotting both fieldfare and redwing, which tend to inhabit the continent for most of the year before spending winter in the UK to avoid extreme cold in northern parts of Europe, such as Poland and Scandinavia.
The RSPB predicted the trend on the eve of the Big Garden Birdwatch, an annual event to take place between 23 and 25 January which asks people to spend an hour watching and keeping count of birds in their gardens or local parks. People then send their findings to the RSPB.
Last year, almost 600,000 people took part in the bird watching campaign. More than nine million birds, belonging to 80 different species, were recorded; about 3,000 of these were fieldfares and redwings.
Beccy Speight, chief executive of the RSPB, said: “When compared to places such as Norway and Sweden, the UK has relatively warm winters, and we get large numbers of migratory birds from all over Europe, which travel here seeking shelter, food, and water.
“But numbers change every year depending on what the weather is like there and here – with the recent cold spell you may see some surprise migratory visitors outside your window,” she continued. “But whether you see a Redwing, your regular local Robin, or even if you don’t see anything, every observation counts.”
The Big Garden Birdwatch gives an indication as to the migratory and breeding natures of birds - and how it has changed over time. In 2025, woodpigeons became the UK’s third most recorded bird spot for the first time, behind the house sparrow and blue tit.
While house sparrows have continuously ranked number one for the last 22 years, numbers were down 11 per cent compared to 2024; the lowest since 1998, down 64 per cent when compared to the first Big Garden Birdwatch in 1979.
Meanwhile, starlings dropped out of the UK’s top three garden birds to the lowest average count ever recorded.
“By taking part in the Birdwatch, you and hundreds of thousands of other nature lovers across the UK are helping us understand how garden birds are doing. Birds and wildlife are struggling right now. Anyone, anywhere, can take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch – even if you don’t have a garden! A park, balcony, allotment or window box will do. Simply spend an hour this weekend counting the birds you see. It’s good for wildlife and evidence shows it’s good for our own wellbeing too.”
She added: “Even on the greyest winter day, our local birds bring a welcome dose of wildness and nature into our everyday lives. Take a moment to pause, to listen, to notice. We need nature, and nature needs us..”
