Why not take part in the world's biggest wildlife survey this weekend (30th/31st January)?

It couldn't be any easier.  To take part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch requires just one hour of your time to count the birds and other wildlife in your garden.

The data gathered from this survey provides a vital health-check of the wildlife that we share our homes with.

Simply go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch to request a free pack or on the day you choose to do your count go to the site and open the live bird counter on your pc, tablet or smartphone. Teachers and pupils are also urged to take part in the Big Schools’ Birdwatch until 12 February - visit www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch for more information.

Last year almost half a million people across the UK, including almost 500 people on the Isle of Man, took part.

On the Island, house sparrows were the most common spotted species in 86 per cent of gardens, closely followed by starlings and then chaffinches.

As temperatures drop, the natural food available for wildlife becomes scarcer and we can all help by putting out calorie-rich foods such as peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet balls, finely chopped bacon rind and even a little bit of grated cheese in your feeders and on bird tables. For a balanced diet, still provide your normal seed mix, as well as these fattier foods.

Photo - Grey Wagtail courtesy of Bill Dale.