Why the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch matters to me as a Professional Wildlife Photographer

Gary Jones is a Professional Wildlife Photographer and Guide based in North Wales. Travelling far and wide to capture wildlife both in the UK and overseas, Gary trusts his Muck Boots to keep his feet warm and dry, whatever the weather throws at him!

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place over the weekend of the 25/26^th January 2026, Gary talks us through why this is so important to him and how to get involved!

I spend a lot of my time in wild places, waiting patiently for fleeting moments with birds and animals most people rarely get to see up close. But every January, I find myself doing something much simpler, sitting watching my garden, camera down, notebook in hand, taking part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch.

And after years of photographing wildlife professionally, it’s one of the most important and enjoyable things I do.

The Power of Everyday Observations

As a Wildlife photographer, I’m often drawn to dramatic wild landscapes, rare species, and perfect light. But the Big Garden Birdwatch is a reminder that the most valuable wildlife data doesn’t always come from distant expeditions. It comes from people paying attention to what’s happening right outside their door in the garden.

That one-hour count provides a nationwide snapshot of how garden birds are really doing. Because so many people take part, the data is incredibly powerful. It allows conservationists to track long-term trends in bird populations, especially in our towns and cities.

Conservation That Anyone Can Be Part Of

One of the things I admire most about the Big Garden Birdwatch is how accessible it is. You don’t need specialist knowledge, expensive kit, or even a garden. You just need an hour, a little curiosity, and a willingness to look.

As someone who works professionally with wildlife, I love that this is conservation everyone can be part of. It demystifies science and reminds us that protecting nature isn’t just the job of experts, it’s something we can all contribute to.

What the Camera Has Taught Me About Birds

Spending years photographing birds has taught me how sensitive they are to change. A shift in weather patterns, fewer insects in summer, or the loss of habitat, e.g hedgerows can have immediate, visible effects on behaviour and numbers.

The Big Garden Birdwatch helps turn these observations into evidence. It’s one of the ways we know which species are struggling, which are adapting, and where conservation efforts need to be focused.

Why Gardens Matter More Than Ever

From behind the lens, I’ve watched natural habitats shrink and fragment. In that context, gardens and shared green spaces have become vital refuges for birds.

When people take part in the Birdwatch, they often start to see their outdoor space differently. A feeder isn’t just a nice extra, a pond isn’t just decorative, native plants aren’t just about aesthetics, they are lifelines for our birdlife.

For me, some of the most rewarding moments I’ve photographed haven’t been in remote locations, but at home, a goldfinch in winter light, a robin inches from the lens, or a sparrowhawk passing through unexpectedly. Those moments are only possible because birds still visit and trust our gardens.

Slowing Down and Paying Attention

Photography has taught me patience. It’s about waiting, watching, and noticing details others might miss. The Big Garden Birdwatch offers that same pause, a chance to slow down, put the phone away, and really observe.

In a busy world, that hour of stillness can be surprisingly powerful. It reconnects us not just with wildlife, but with our outdoor spaces and the seasons themselves.

Why I’ll Keep Taking Part

I’ll always love travelling to photograph wildlife in wild places. But the Big Garden Birdwatch reminds me that meaningful conservation starts at home.

By taking part, we create a clearer picture of how birds are coping in a changing world. And by paying attention, we’re far more likely to protect what we notice.

Sometimes, the most important wildlife story is happening just outside the window.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch takes place over the weekend of the 25/26^th January 2026

Full details can be found by visiting www.rspb.org.uk

Follow Gary Jones:

Website - https://gjwp.co.uk/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/GaryJonesWildlifePhotography/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/garyjoneswildlifephotography/ 

Gary trusts the Men’s Apex Zip, Woody Max & Arctic Sport boots.