Boaters' birds

BIRDS? No, not our normal kind, but the feathered variety that frequent the canal banks.

The RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) is encouraging boaters to take part in its Big Garden Birdwatch on the 30th and 31st January  and record the sighting of birds they see.

Last year, over half a million people took part in the world's largest wildlife survey, which helps the RSPB spot problems in bird populations and aid species recovery.

Emily Sanders from the RSPB explains:

"The survey is about recording the health and wealth of bird life across Britain. There's no need to have bricks and mortar to take part. Those living afloat have a wonderful back garden of a different kind and we'd like them to record the diversity of water loving birds, such as herons, kingfishers and lapwings. The many miles of hedgerow along towpaths also means that boaters are more likely to spot beautiful countryside birds like bullfinches and long tailed tits that are less common in more urban areas.

"Much of the same birds many of us enjoy through our kitchen windows can be found along the waterways, making them the perfect place to sit back and record birds as they come and go. You can encourage more familiar garden birds like blue tits and even great tits onto your boat by hanging up a feeder or erecting a bird table. They won't be shy at coming forward, especially if you tempt them with black sunflower seeds or live meal worms, which are particular favourites."

To take part, boaters simply need to record the highest number of every individual bird species seen at any one time and send the RSPB their results. This can be done online by visiting www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or by calling 0300 456 8330 to request a Big Garden Birdwatch form.