Bird hour 2026, or OTOP invites you to count

Observing nature is a wonderful form of relaxation and a pleasant way to expand knowledge about the world. As early as next weekend, you can combine these benefits with a personal contribution to the development of Polish ornithology. Bird hour is an initiative for the whole family, regardless of place of residence, level of education or health status.

OTOP counts birds

Bird hour is an initiative launched in 2019 by the Czech Society for Ornithology (ČSO). In our southern neighbor country, the event enjoys great interest. Last year, 36,000 people took part, and the number of observed birds reached nearly 780,000. Filip Tuháček from ČSO explains that the collected data are very important because they allow researchers to assess which bird species winter in the country and, in particular, which are increasing or decreasing in number.

In Poland, Bird hour will take place for the first time, and its organization is handled by the Polish Society for the Protection of Birds (OTOP). The goals remain the same, and bird counting is intended not only to support ornithological monitoring but also to build positive relationships between society at large and nature. The organizers emphasize that it is not only a useful pastime, but also a way to train mindfulness and expand knowledge about the species around us.

Bird hour, when, where and how

Bird counting will take place from January 16 to 18. During this time, each of us can set aside 60 minutes to observe winter birdlife. The location, as the organizers assure, is completely flexible. It can be a window overlooking a garden, a balcony with a feeder, a nearby forest or a park. All nature enthusiasts are invited to take part, even if they do not have extensive ornithological knowledge.

The counting itself is not complicated. Each observer must record the highest number of individuals of a single species seen at the same time. This system makes it possible to eliminate the problem of repeatedly identifying the same individuals that return to the observation point. Importantly, every bird in view counts, even one seen only in passing.

After the hour has passed, the results should be entered into the application available on the website https://ptasiagodzinka.otop.org.pl/.

How to correctly identify birds?

In Poland, six species of tits occur in winter. How can you tell which one has just appeared in front of you? Ornithologists admit that the nuances distinguishing birds can escape even experts, so there is no need to stress about a lack of knowledge. In case of doubt, you can take a photo and ask someone more experienced or enter the description unknown species in the form.

Bird hour is meant to be an opportunity for learning, so OTOP has prepared interesting educational materials for Polish observers to browse on a computer or phone. It is worth looking at them before starting the count to expand knowledge about native birdlife. For each species wintering in Poland, graphics are available with basic information such as size, identifying features and differences between sexes. Identification is also aided by behavior. From the online guide you can learn, for example, that tits grab a single seed from the feeder and fly off, while greenfinches sit down carefree for a feast.
Bird quizzes of various difficulty levels also help with ornithological training and can be useful not only at home but also at school. Bird hour is 60 minutes worth dedicating to our winged friends.

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main image: OTOP Birdlife Polska