While cold snaps and Christmas connote staying indoors, a new online resource has been launched encouraging us to embrace the elements to spot spectacular species.
Co-founded by Natalie and John White, Birda is a smartphone application and social media platform dedicated to the love of studying avian biodiversity.
Focused on UK wildlife, those behind the software are quite to point out that a major aim is the highlight the abundance of life on people’s doorsteps. Around 17million birds migrate across the country each spring alone, giving some idea as to how many use the skies annually.
Birda offers information on key locations for birdwatching depending on the month, rating each on the likelihood of spotting specific species. A community focus also allows users to share sightings, tips and recommendations, engaging an interacting with like-minded members. Free to join and use, there’s also the option to keep your own bird journal, set motivational challenges and track your achievements and individual moments.
In an attempt to encourage more people to take up the hobby over the festive break, Birda has also published a number of tips on winter birdwatching. These include basics, such as layering up for the cold and creating a list of the types of birds you are likely to see in your area. Advice on making DIY birdfeeders to draw populations in also features, and setting goals for your family members and friends to participate in.
Earlier this year, Birda revealed the best destinations for UK birdwatchers. These included Rathlin Island, Contry Antrim, North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, Leicestershire’s Rutland Water, The Wild Boar in the Lake District, North Wales and the Spurn Peninsula, East Yorkshire.
More on biodiversity:
AI proves irrefutable benefits of rewilding in North Yorkshire
Image: