A conservation charity is calling on Croydon's twitchers to help compile an annual survey of the borough's birds.

The RSPB wants keen spotters to take part in the world's biggest bird survey, the Big Garden Birdwatch, on January 26 and 27.

The survey aims to find out which bird is top of the pecking order in UK gardens.

Last year's survey showed the blue tit was the most common bird in Croydon's gardens, but the number of house sparrows had plummeted.

Tim Webb, of the RSPB London, said: "The survey is fun, easy and only takes and hour to complete. It's a great way for people to contribute to a significant piece of wildlife research without even having to leave the comfort of their homes.

"You don't need to be an expert to take part. The important thing is to send us details of what you saw. The information can then help us identify changes in bird numbers, which could reflect changes in Croydon's environment."

To take part in the survey just spend one hour over the weekend counting the birds in your garden or local park. Record the highest number of bird species seen at any one time. Then send the information to the Big Garden Birdwatch.

Mr Webb added: "Croydon's most common garden bird in 2007 was the blue tit. Who knows what will be number one in 2008. This is a fun event but the results are deadly serious."

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