THE RSPB is asking Isle of Wight residents to spend an hour watching and recording birds in their garden as part of this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch.
The world’s largest garden wildlife survey, now in its 38th year, will take place next Saturday and Sunday, January 28 and 29 and Monday, January 30.
More than eight million birds were counted last year, and the data enables the charity to monitor wildlife trends.
Last year’s results showed smaller birds, such as the goldfinch and long-tailed tit, are increasingly using IW gardens to find food.
Sara Humphrey, from the charity, said: "The information kindly provided from the IW’s residents gives us an insight in to the wildlife in private gardens not normally studied by scientists. That’s hugely significant.
"As an indicator of the state of our environment you can’t beat birds. If we have a healthy environment, birds thrive. Even if you see nothing during your Big Garden Birdwatch hour, that’s important information, too, so please let us know."
To take part in the Big Garden Birdwatch 2017, count the birds that land (not fly over) in your garden, or local park, for one hour over the three days.
Record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time; not the total you see in the hour.
rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.
The results will be published in March.
The parallel event, Big Schools’ Birdwatch takes place during the first half of spring term, from January 3 to February 17.
Further information can be found at rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch