The countdown is on for the fifth annual Christmas Bird Race.

From midnight on Christmas Eve to midnight on New Year's Eve, Isle of Man residents are being asked to report any bird sightings to Manx Birdlife. The aim is to see how many different species of bird can be found in the island during the festive season.

Mark Fitzpatrick is organising the event for the local charity. He said: 'We encourage everyone with an interest in birds to take part. From the birds in your garden, to the birds of the coast, woods and countryside, they all count. Over 100 different species of bird have been reported in each of the previous bird races, it will be interesting to see how many are seen this year.'

To join in and find out more, visit the website www.manxbirdlife.im

Pictured are Whooper swans at Killane photographed by John Donnelly.

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