Bird of the Year Vote: How It Works and Why It Matters

Every fall, bird lovers make an important choice: which feathered friend will earn the title “Bird of the Year” for the next 12 months? What may look like a fun public vote is also a far-reaching campaign for bird conservation.

The campaign draws attention to the needs and threats facing native birds. If you have a garden, it’s a great opportunity to learn more about nature and take practical steps to support it.

How does the Bird of the Year vote work?

The process is designed to be simple and democratic. Naturschutzbund Deutschland (NABU) and its Bavarian partner, Landesbund für Vogelschutz (LBV), present a group of candidates. Each bird represents a particular habitat or conservation issue.

Anyone can vote during a set period, usually in October. You can cast your vote online through the NABU website or by mail. The result is final: the bird with the most votes wins, with no jury to overrule the public.

This direct vote is a key reason the campaign succeeds. It helps people feel connected to the bird they choose and gives them a stake in its future. The campaign depends on people taking part.

The Bird of the Year vote is our most important way to inspire people to protect biodiversity in their local communities. Every vote shows politicians that people care about conserving species.

How public voting supports species conservation

Why not leave the choice to a committee of experts? Because a public vote gets people talking. Local newspapers cover the region’s favorite, and radio and TV stations often join in.

The winning bird becomes a symbol. Its challenges, whether the loss of traditional orchards, paved-over soil, or declining insect numbers, become part of the public conversation. That attention can reach people who might never read a specialist report.

When you vote, you show that you care about native wildlife and the places it depends on. Local officials hear that message, too, including those who make decisions about green spaces and protected areas.

Why does the campaign matter for conservation?

The title “Bird of the Year” is more than an award. It kicks off a year of education, research, and advocacy. NABU and LBV create information resources, lead trips to the bird’s habitat, and launch petitions to help protect it.

For many people, the annual vote is their first easy way to get involved in organized conservation. They learn about a bird and begin to see how an ecosystem fits together. Birds don’t live in isolation. Where lapwings thrive, amphibians and rare plants can find habitat, too.

From a symbolic title to practical ways to help

One of the campaign’s biggest strengths is how easy it is to act on its advice. Each vote is followed by practical recommendations. When the house sparrow was chosen, the focus was on adding nesting sites to buildings and leaving wild corners undisturbed. When the goldfinch took the spotlight, people were encouraged to plant perennials that produce seeds and skip herbicides.

You can put these ideas to work in your garden or on your balcony. You don’t need a large nature preserve to make a difference. Every native flowering plant, every perennial bed left standing through winter, and every bird feeder suited to local species can help.

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How can you effectively help birds in your garden?

Wildlife conservation starts right on your doorstep. Your garden is a small ecosystem that you can shape. Providing natural food should be your first priority. Plant native shrubs and trees such as blackthorn, hawthorn or rowan. They provide berries, shelter and nesting sites.

Let some areas of your garden stay a little “untidy”. Leaf piles, stacks of deadwood and faded perennials provide vital winter habitats for insects, which in turn become food for birds. Avoid chemical pesticides altogether.

A wildlife-friendly garden is the best way to help preserve bird diversity. We don’t need sterile expanses of lawn, but living oases filled with native plants. Every square metre counts.

Why it’s important to feed birds year-round

Feeding birds is a controversial topic. However, current scientific evidence supports supplementary feeding throughout the year, provided you use the right products. In spring and summer, adult birds raising their young need protein-rich food.

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How can you take part in the next Bird of the Year vote?

Taking part couldn’t be easier. Visit the NABU website in autumn for information about the current vote, candidate profiles and a link to the online ballot. You can also download the voting leaflet and vote by mail.

Use the vote as an opportunity to discuss the topic with your family or neighbors. Which birds are common in your area? Which have become rare? These observations help you notice the nature right on your doorstep.

Share your voting decision on social media and encourage others to take part. The more people participate, the louder the conservation message will be. You could even organize a small voting campaign at your club or company.

Preparation is everything: How to get ready

Find out more before casting your vote. The candidate bird profiles describe not only what the birds look like, but also their ecological niche and the specific threats they face. Consider which bird in your region deserves particular attention.

Perhaps you already have a favorite because you regularly see it at your bird feeder. That personal connection can help guide your choice. Your vote counts just as much as an ornithologist’s – that’s the principle behind this democratic campaign.

Make the vote the starting point for your own commitment

Don’t let the vote be the end of your interest in the topic. Use the momentum to make a lasting difference. Observe the birds in your garden. Note which species eat the food you put out, such as the or the peanut sticks .

Adjust how you manage your garden. Perhaps you can plant a hedge of native shrubs or create a small water feature. Every action counts. The elected Bird of the Year remains in the spotlight for twelve months – use that time to take action for it and other species.

Conservation needs many helping hands. Your vote sends an important signal. Your practical help in the garden is direct action. Together, they make a difference for our feathered neighbors.

Get ready. Keep high-quality food such as our on hand. Make your garden welcoming. And when the next call to vote goes out, take part. Your vote counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who chooses the Bird of the Year?

Anyone can vote. The Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) and the Bavarian Society for the Protection of Birds (LBV) invite the public to vote each year. There’s no expert jury—the winner is chosen entirely by the public, who can vote online or by mail. This democratic approach attracts considerable public attention.

What is the goal of the Bird of the Year campaign?

The campaign aims to raise awareness of a particular bird species and the threats it faces. The winning bird stays in the spotlight for a year through media coverage, educational activities, and conservation recommendations. The campaign highlights specific issues, such as habitat loss, and encourages people to take action—for example, by creating wildlife-friendly gardens or getting involved in conservation efforts.

How can I help birds in my garden?

Create a wildlife-friendly habitat. Plant native hedges and perennials to provide shelter and food. Avoid using pesticides. Put up nest boxes for cavity-nesting and semi-cavity-nesting birds. Feeding birds year-round with species-appropriate, high-quality food such as PRODUCT_23311 or PRODUCT_24281 can be especially helpful during harsh winters and the demanding breeding season.

When does the Bird of the Year vote take place?

The main voting period traditionally takes place each October. You can vote for a selection of bird candidates during this time. The winner is usually announced in late October or early November. Before voting begins, there’s a nomination period when you can submit suggestions. Check the NABU website for updates.

Do birds only need to be fed in winter?

No. Recent studies show that feeding birds year-round can benefit many species. In spring, breeding birds need protein-rich food to raise their young. In summer and fall, feeding stations can help birds cope with extreme weather and build up fat reserves for winter. Keeping feeders clean and choosing the right food, such as our PRODUCT_23369, are essential.