RSPB reports rise in sightings of birds and wildlife in gardens since lockdown

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) says the trend was first spotted on social media during its popular Breakfast Birdwatch.

A spokesman said: “People have been finding solace in nature. We’ve had people telling us they have seen red kites over North Yorkshire and buzzards and peregrine falcons. Other people have seen goldfinches and the other day there was a blue tit having a bath in someone’s pond”.

The RSPB said these are not unusual sightings, but a result of more people spending more time at home and locally as a result of the coronavirus lockdown.

In the wider environment, particularly in some urban areas, the RSPB said that wildlife may also be starting to respond to the lack of people, including grass snakes. But the charity dismissed reports from around the world of wild animals “returning” to places they are not normally seen.