Blackbird Detectives is an exciting citizen science project exploring how climate change and human activity affect birds in our towns/cities and countryside. Focusing on blackbirds in urban and rural areas around Birmingham and Coventry, the project combines nest monitoring, and environmental data such as weather, noise, and light pollution to understand the challenges these birds face. We’re inviting local schools and communities to become a 'blackbird detective' to help by looking for nests in school grounds, gardens and green spaces and sharing their findings.

By taking part, you’ll contribute to meaningful scientific research that helps protect urban wildlife for future generations, all while ensuring minimal disturbance to the birds.

Email Anna at blackbirddetectives@gmail.com to register your interest and receive more information.

About the project:

Blackbird Detectives is part of a PhD research project at the University of Birmingham investigating how urbanisation and climate change influence the breeding success of Eurasian Blackbirds (Turdus merula). By examining how habitat type, extreme weather events, and urban microclimates affect nesting success, the project aims to better understand how birds are responding to environmental change.


1. Look out for blackbirds	2. Find a blackbird's nest	3. Report your findings	4. Explore other areas

Blackbirds are an ideal study species because they are common across both urban and rural landscapes and build open-cup nests that are directly exposed to weather conditions. Unlike cavity-nesting birds, open-cup nesters may be more vulnerable to heat, heavy rainfall, and disturbance, making them important indicators of climate impacts. Understanding how Blackbirds cope in towns and cities helps inform conservation planning, urban green space design, and broader efforts to build climate-resilient habitats for wildlife.

How to get involved:

Taking part is simple and flexible, even a single observation is valuable.

1. Keep an eye out for any blackbirds in your greenspace	During the breeding season (March to September) blackbirds don't venture too far from their nests so often if you see one, it will mean a nest is nearby. A female blackbird will build the nest and incubate the eggs until the chicks hatch and then it is a joint effort from 'mum and dad' to help raise the chicks.
2. Look for a blackbird's nest	Blackbirds usually nest in dense, low foliage such as shrubs, hedges, ivy, and small trees. Sometimes they are in sheltered spots on buildings or sheds. Typically nests are between 1–5 metres above the ground in well-covered locations. The nest is a sturdy, cup-shape about 15cm wide built using mud, grass, and twigs. Eggs are blue with brown speckles on.
3. Report your findings	If you have been lucky enough to find a blackbird nest, you need to upload your findings to the British Trust of Ornithology's (BTO's) Nesting Neighbours. It is quick and easy to sign up here and there are step by step instructions for inputting your data. Even just one observation is valuable however if you have the time to visit the nest again to check for progress and success it would make the data even more invaluable. Make sure in the comments to put 'Blackbird Detectives' so we can track your nest too! If you have any questions please email: blackbirddetectives@gmail.com
4. Explore other areas	Now that you are a 'Blackbird Detective', keep an eye out in your gardens, other greenspaces and even hedge rows on pavements for other nests you might find. Make sure to follow the BTO's guidance on how to look for nests with minimal disturbance on the birds.

How to become a 'Blackbird Detective' in the classroom:

School grounds are ideal habitats for blackbirds with playing fields of short grass areas and then hedge rows often surrounding them. The project is working with primary schools to get children out and involved in nature so they can earn themselves a blackbird detectives badge.

How to Become a 'Blackbird Detective' in the Classroom - FAQs

How do you sign your school/class up?	Please email Anna at blackbirddetectives@gmail.com to register your interest and receive more information.
How does the project work with schools?	Blackbird Detectives runs curriculum-linked outdoor workshops, typically for KS2, where pupils explore school grounds under supervision to locate and record Blackbird nest activity as part of a structured, PhD-led citizen science project. Schools will have the option to sign up their nest for further research looking at microclimate (temperature and humidity sensors) and their exposure to noise and light pollution.
Does the project align with the curriculum?	Yes, sessions are tailored to support national curriculum objectives for example: Science - working scientifically to collect data, exploring life cycles and habitats Geography - understanding climate and climate change, exploring human and physical geography in the local area Maths - data collection and real-world problem solving English - undertaking purposeful reading and writing tasks Activities are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing lessons with lesson plans and materials provided. Alongside this the sessions also align the schools’ climate and sustainability strategies.
What is required of teachers and staff?	Teachers, teaching assistants and other staff provide normal classroom supervision during a 1–2 hour session and support pupils in following nest observation guidance. All resources and equipment supplied. Participation is free, flexible, and designed to minimise additional workload for staff while ensuring bird welfare and safeguarding standards are upheld.

About the project:

How to get involved:

2. Look for a blackbird's nest

3. Report your findings

How to become a 'Blackbird Detective' in the classroom:

Does the project align with the curriculum?

What is required of teachers and staff?