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It's the world's biggest bird survey, and The Big Garden Birdwatch kicks off this weekend.

Feeding time by Mike Read

In 2007, over 400,000 people took part by counting the birds in their garden for just one hour. Together they spotted six million birds across 236,000 gardens, helping reveal the winners and losers in the garden bird world.

The survey, has seen a 12-fold increase in the number of participants since it began in 1979 and the information recorded has helped the RSPB prioritise its conservation work. The declines seen over time help highlight which birds need our help.

The house sparrow was Cornwall’s number one bird in past Big Garden Birdwatches with an average of five seen in each garden.ΜύDespite coming out top in Cornwall, nationally they are in decline; in 1979 an average of 10 birds were seen per garden.

Close up of a Chaffinch by Mark Hamblin

You don't have to be an expert to take part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. It's a fun event designed for all the family. Whether you're an 'expert' or a beginner, the RSPB's project provides the ideal opportunity to begin what can be a lifetime's interest.

You can do your Birdwatch in your garden or a local park. Either way it's best to decide on a place where you can see the birds well and where you can sit quietly so they are not disturbed.

The RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch has lots of tips for this coming weekend's event. Click on the link below to find out more: