HUNDREDS of Hampshire people are expected to take part in RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch this weekend.

It is the world’s biggest wildlife survey and last year more than 16,140 county residents joined 500,000 people across the UK, spotting the birds in their garden to reveal which species are doing well and which are struggling.

Last year’s results put blue tits, pictured, as Hampshire’s most common garden bird, followed by blackbirds and house sparrows.

Hester Phillips, of RSPB South East, said: “The survey started 30 years ago as a winter activity for our youth members.

“Now it appeals to both children and adults because it’s fun, easy and only takes an hour to join in.

“Reaching our 30th birthday is a huge achievement and shows just how passionate people in Hampshire are about birds and wildlife.”

Last year, Hampshire participants recorded an average of two house sparrows per garden, making it the third most common garden bird in the county.

In 1991 the species was the most common garden bird, with an average of nine sparrows per garden. This echoes the national trend, which has seen sparrows decline by around two-thirds over the survey’s 30-year period.

Because of what the RSPB has learnt from the Big Garden Birdwatch, several studies are under way to identify how struggling species can be helped to recover.

The findings of BGBW 2009 will be published at the end of March.

To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch visit rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or call 0300 456 8330

WE have two bird-feeding starter kits to give away.

Each kit includes a seed feeder, a bag of seed, a soft toy and a copy of the RSPB’s Pocket Garden Birdwatch book, signed by the author.

To be in with a chance of winning, correctly answer the following question:

Q: According to the Big Garden Birdwatch, what was the most common garden bird in Hampshire in 2008?

Send your answers, together with you name, address and daytime telephone number to Birdwatch Competition, Daily Echo, PO Box 430, Southampton SO16 92F.

Normal Daily Echo rules apply.