Public to aid UK-wide bird audit

People can count birds in their garden or local park

Birdwatchers around the country will be out with their binoculars this weekend taking part in an audit of birds.

It's the 25th time that the RSPB has organised its Big Garden Birdwatch, which aims to count as many species of birds as possible nationwide.

Last year more than 300,000 people took part, and four million birds were seen.

Birdwatchers are asked to spend an hour in their gardens or local park, and then record their sightings for an on-line survey.

Everyone, no matter how experienced, is encouraged to take part.

The findings will be placed on a national database.

The RSPB says that between five and 25 species of birds can be found in the average british garden.

Last year's survey recorded 101 different bird species.