Warning issued to people with blackbirds in their garden

Garden owners who spot blackbirds this winter are being encouraged to provide food for them and report any issues, due to a new virus threatening their population. Blackbirds, one of the most common bird species in the UK with an estimated six million breeding pairs, remain in the country during winter instead of migrating, making it crucial for them to find food during the harsh months.

However, a new threat has emerged in recent years - the Usutu virus. The British Trust for Ornithology has warned that this mosquito-borne virus, which can be fatal to blackbirds, is causing a decline in their numbers.

The Trust said: "Blackbirds are a common bird in gardens across the UK, from rural areas to the hearts of cities. However, in recent years and particularly since 2020, birdwatchers have reported fewer birds being seen in their gardens, especially in London.

"This recent decline has been linked to the appearance of Usutu virus, a new mosquito-borne virus in the UK which is often fatal to blackbirds.

"It was first detected in the UK in London in the summer of 2020, and appears to have since started to spread further in southern Britain. It is prevalent on the near-Continent and its spread has been linked to climate change, which has benefited the mosquitoes which spread the virus," reports the Express.

The Trust is keen to understand if the same decrease in blackbird populations recorded in London is happening elsewhere in the UK. They are appealing for people with gardens to participate in a survey to monitor blackbird numbers when it reopens in 2025 - more information can be found here.

For now, experts are encouraging individuals to assist blackbirds by providing food and ensuring they have enough to eat. The Woodland Trust states: "Common and widespread across the UK, the blackbird population is currently stable, although it has seen periods of decline in the past.

"One of the biggest threats is lack of food availability, particularly when the weather is dry. Leaving mealworms and ground feeder mix out on bird tables and planting bushes that attract caterpillars to your garden are great ways to help blackbirds.