Want to take part in the world's largest wildlife survey? All you need to do is sit for one hour, on the weekend of 26-27 January, count the birds in your garden or local park and tell the RSPB what you see.
If you're hoping to spot a good selection and number of birds now is the time to make your back garden, yard, balcony, windowsill or local park a treat of a feeding place. Forget crusts. Put out leftover pastry bits, cut up bruised or part rotten apples, cooked potatoes (baked, roasted or mashed are all good, especially with fats added), dried fruit, cake crumbs, suet, nuts and seeds. If you can hang a foodsource up (or provide a bird table) as well as scatter on the ground, you'll lure a wider variety. Don't overdo it though, unless you want rats joining the feast.
The Big Garden Birdwatch takes place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 January. Sign up now.
Photo taken in Phoenix Garden by Stephskimo via the Londonist Flickrpool.
