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The RSPB launches the #BreakfastBirdwatch to reduce stress and anxiety as the nation works from home

06:00, 25 March 2020

The RSPB are urging us all to start our days birdwatching to reduce stress and anxiety.

The charity, which runs the Big Garden Birdwatch - the UK’s largest citizen science survey - every January, has launched the #BreakfastBirdwatch.

You can spot the birds in your garden to start your day
You can spot the birds in your garden to start your day

And, because of its location, Kent could be one of the first places to see some of the birds arriving from warmer countries.

Studies show that spending time in and connecting with nature can reduce stress and anxiety and be a source of relaxation. Though it is currently more difficult than ever to get outside, there is still wildlife on our doorsteps.

As the majority of us are working from home, many are beginning to notice birds in their garden that they might otherwise have missed, including a host of birds returning from warmer climates.

The RSPB has launched the #BreakfastBirdwatch from 8am to 9am each day, encouraging people to spend the time they’d normally spend commuting or doing the school run observing the birds in their garden.

Being on the south coast, Kent is fortunate enough to be one of the first places to welcome in migrating birds as they return for summer.

You might spot a blue tit in your garden Picture: RSPB
You might spot a blue tit in your garden Picture: RSPB

You might be lucky enough to spot birds such as chiffchaffs and black caps and you can use the RSPB’s handy online Bird Identification Guide to spot the differences between visiting and familiar birds such as great tits and robins.

Becca Smith from the RSPB said: “Spring brings a buzz of activity from birds and other wildlife alike. As you sit at home, the sound of birds singing and the sight of nature coming to life after winter has a remarkable way of restoring calm.

Will you spot a robin? Picture: RSPB/Chris Gomersall
Will you spot a robin? Picture: RSPB/Chris Gomersall

"Sharing what you can see with others will hopefully help to bring us all a little closer in marvelling at the wonders of nature despite the circumstances.”

Having seen an increase in requests for help identifying birds in the past few days, the RSPB will be sharing helpful guides and positive nature stories across their social media channels to allow people to find solace in nature during these difficult times.

Whether you take part from your garden, or watch from a window, you could share your sightings during the dedicated #BreakfastBirdwatch hour on social media, helping people connect.

A wren Picture: RSPB
A wren Picture: RSPB

For a guide to identifying birds, which includes questions like how big was it, and what colour were it legs and feathers, click here.

Join in on social media using #BreakfastBirdwatch and follow the RSPB @natures_voice.

To get the latest news on events and venues across Kent, and more ideas for things to do at home click here.

Picture: RSPB/David Tipling
Picture: RSPB/David Tipling
The RSPB runs the Big Garden Birdwatch every year - now it has launched the #BreakfastBirdwatch
The RSPB runs the Big Garden Birdwatch every year - now it has launched the #BreakfastBirdwatch
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