Britain's Big Garden Birdwatch: take pleasure in counting birds, but don't ignore the growing threats they face | Observer editorial

This weekend you can enjoy citizen science at its most relaxing, even though it will highlight the challenges facing UK wildlifeWhether it is a starling squabbling with a neighbour or a few goldfinches bringing a blaze of colour to a garden, there is much to be said for bird-watching. This will be particularly evident this weekend with the culmination of the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch when an estimated half a million people will spend an hour counting every avian guest that perches on their lawns and bushes.Lucky individuals may get a glimpse of an airborne rarity such as the waxwing, an elusive, crested visitor to the UK that has been arriving in unexpected numbers this winter - an event known as an irruption. Most will have to settle for house sparrows, starlings or wood pigeons. It will be 60 minutes well spent nevertheless. Bird-watching is the simplest way for us to make contact with wildlife. Sit at a window with a coffee and a notepad and let nature come to you. This is citizen science at its most relaxing. At the same time, the recording of bird prevalence in our gardens has an important role to play in UK conservation. Indeed, it has become a vital instrument in helping biologists obtain a detailed snapshot of the state of our wildlife. Unfortunately, that picture has become one of increasing concern. Continue reading...