Delight for bird watchers: Blue tits and chaffinches could be seen in good numbers

Delight for bird watchers: Blue tits and chaffinches could be seen in good numbers

BIRDS such as blue tits and chaffinches could be seen in good numbers in gardens this winter following a successful breeding season and "relatively kind" weather in recent months, experts have said.

Members of the public taking part in the RSPB's annual Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend could also record bumper sightings of other resident British birds such as greenfinches, great tits and long-tailed tits.

The wildlife charity is calling on people to spend an hour watching the birds in their garden or local park for the birdwatching survey to help build up a picture of how some of the UK's favourite birds are faring.

Last year's results saw sparrows topping the list of most-seen birds, despite long-term declines of more than 50%, followed by starlings and blackbirds.

But the RSPB said it was curious to see how the figures might change this year, following a positive year for some resident British birds including greenfinches, chaffinches, blue tits, great tits and long-tailed tits.