SPRING is the perfect time to get out with the family and birdwatch.
Yet one in six of us is only able to identify three types of birds from the hundreds of varieties living in the UK, birdwatching app Birda has found.
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Here’s how to buff up your knowledge and make the most of a fun, free activity.
CLOSE TO HOME: Start birdwatching in your own garden or outside space by creating a bird-friendly environment.
Provide food using a bird table or feeder and consider planting bushes or trees that grow berries.
Putting out water in a bird bath can also help make your garden a sanctuary for flying wildlife.
FURTHER AFIELD: Head out to areas that are teeming with natural birdlife.
The RSPB has around 170 reserves across the country — find one near you at rspb.org.uk/reserves-and-events.
These sites include visitor centres that can tell you what species are around at different points of the year.
Some of the reserves are free — you may just have to factor in the cost of parking if you are taking a car — or family membership from £6 a month gives free access to all of them.
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TIME TO TWITCH: Once you have found a location, you can simply amble around and keep an eye out.
Reserves also have bird hides where you can settle down and camouflage to spot a wider variety of species.
Just remember to stay quiet so you do not scare them away.
Take photos of the birds you see or use a notebook to record vital details.
A pair of binoculars can also come in handy.
TOP SPOT: Once you have spotted a new bird, you will want to identify it.
Some of the RSPB’s reserves run guided walks that will help build up your knowledge.
Or you can try a free app such as Birda.
The RSPB also has an easy-to-use bird identifying tool at rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife.
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