Taking part in BirdWatch Ireland's garden bird survey helps to guide conservation

Survey co-ordinator Brian Burke said it is something a person can do with a cup of tea looking out the window of their kitchen, washing the dishes or filling a kettle with water

Putting bird food out a few days before any snow arrives gives the birds a chance to realise where it is and where to go when the ground freezes over.

The season of giving is providing people with a chance to thank the birds of Ireland for bringing joy into their lives during the year.

On spring mornings, they create a soundtrack of song, and on drab winter days, they brighten gardens. Participating in this year’s Irish Garden Bird Survey—the most popular and longest-running citizen science survey in Ireland—is one way people can show how much birds are appreciated.