Bird survey gets underway

Taking part in the survey gets people into the garden and provides valuable data on wildlife

Households across the country are being encouraged to take part in the Family Garden Birdwatch Survey.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) and the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) are urging families to go bird-watching.

Visitors to NTS properties can record sightings of birds with BTO analysing the data to record bird populations.

Families can also record birds in their own gardens as part of the BTO Garden BirdWatch scheme.

Bird-watching

Melissa Simpson, gardens advisor for NTS, said: "We're trying to encourage people to look at the value of our gardens and to understand how birds are using our gardens especially the exotic flora."

Participating NTS properties are Arduaine Garden, Crathes Castle, Geilston Garden, Greenbank Garden, Kellie Castle, Pitmedden Garden and Threave Garden.

Mandy Cook, development coordinator for BTO, said: "With garden bird populations always in a state of flux, information from families about what they find in Trust gardens and in their own patch is invaluable to us.

"The coming of autumn heralds a return of many species to gardens, so now is a great time to be looking out for them."

Survey results help track bird populations

The survey is open at NTS properties until the end of November.

Bird sightings can be recorded on the record cards provided or sent through the BTO website.

Previous survey results have shown an increase in goldfinches and wood-pigeons and a reduction in the numbers of goldcrest.

Other ongoing BTO surveys which the public can get involved in are the Bird Atlas 2007-11, BirdTrack, the Breeding Bird Survey and the Wetland Bird Survey.

More details on the surveys and are available on the BTO website .