People across Kent are being urged to take part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.

Now in its 30th year, the survey highlights the winners and losers in the garden bird world.

It was first to alert the RSPB to massive declines in song thrush numbers. The song thrush was a firm fixture in the top 10 in 1979 but by last year it had plummeted to 22nd in the rankings.

The survey has also shown the increases in collared dove and wood pigeon numbers and alarming declines of the house sparrow and starling.

Up to half a million people take part each year.

Click on our picture gallery above to help you identify some of the commonest birds

Dr Mark Avery, the RSPB’s director of conservation, said: “As well as contributing to our understanding of the changes in bird numbers, Big Garden Birdwatch does a fantastic job of inspiring adults and children about nature.

“It allows hundreds of thousands of people each year to enjoy wildlife in their own gardens and that’s priceless.”

Sarah Kelly, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch co-ordinator, said: “You don’t need to be an expert, all you need is a pen and paper.

“It’s easy, it’s fun and it only takes an hour. Grab a cuppa, sit down, relax and enjoying looking at your garden and the birds in it. Just record the highest number of each species seen at any one time and send us your results.”

To take part, just spend one hour on Saturday or Sunday counting the birds in your garden or local park.

Click here for more details and to submit your results online>>>

Are you taking part? Email us at kentishgazette@thekmgroup.co.uk