top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon

Eyes on the sky: France’s latest birdwatch event is this weekend

The latest national bird count is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday. Here’s how to take part and help maintain bird biodiversity

A European sparrow on a tree branch

Any birds that come to land in your chosen area for your chosen hour can be included in your weekend count Pic: David Havel / Shutterstock

France’s latest bird counting event is taking place this weekend, with the public invited to count the birds they see from a given outdoor space for a one-hour period.

Participants can either choose Saturday, May 28 or Sunday, May 29, and take one hour to observe any birds they can see from their balcony, garden, or another public green space. 

During that hour, note down any birds you see, with the help – if needed – of helpsheets available on the event’s website.

Credit: Oiseauxdesjardins / Screenshot

Only count birds that come to land, either on the ground or on a branch, and not birds that only fly over the area.

There is also a sheet that can help you keep count. 

After your hour is up, you can send your results to the bird counting events organisers, l’Observatoire des oiseaux des jardins, at the website oiseauxdesjardins.fr, or by emailing oiseauxdesjardins@lpo.fr.

The event is organised several times a year by the Ligue pour la Protection des Oiseaux (LPO), and helps the group keep track of bird species and the state of biodiversity in France. 

It has been running for 10 years. In 2021, 17,260 gardens took part in the count across the whole of France. People in Normandy were most likely to take part, with 3,541 gardens, and especially Calvados, with 1.095.

Related articles

Annual garden bird count in France this weekend 

Join the 10th edition of France's winter bird count this weekend

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Healthcare in France*
Featured Help Guide
- Understand the French healthcare system, how you access it and how you are reimbursed - Useful if you are new to the French healthcare system or want a more in-depth understanding - Reader question and answer section Aimed at non-French nationals living here, the guide gives an overview of what you are (and are not) covered for. There is also information for second-home owners and regular visitors.
Get news, views and information from France