BIRDS IN EUROPEAN GARDENS IN THE WINTER AND SPRING OF 1988-89

A survey of the occurence of birds in gardens in 14 countries in weste rn Europe was conducted between 23 October 1988 and 20 May 1989. Most of the 440 participating gardens were on the edge of towns and 40% had trees, grass and shrubs. Their average size as 1608 m2. One hundred a nd seventy-six species of birds were recorded in all, with a mean of 2 1 per garden. Garden size was the most important factor determining th e number of species present; gardens with both deciduous and coniferou s trees had comparatively many species, urban gardens had comparativel y few. The frequency with which artificial food was provided had littl e effect on the number of species recorded in a garden. The frequency of provision differed between countries but was uniformly greater in w inter than in spring. Although there were substantial regional differe nces, the broad suite of species entering gardens was similar througho ut Europe, the commonest species being Great Tit, Blackbird, Blue Tit, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Robin and Magpie. The occurrenc e of many species in gardens varied seasonally, particularly in relati on to migration patterns.