Thousands of Scots to watch the birdie

THOUSANDS of Scots will take part in the world’s largest garden wildlife survey this week.

The RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch returns for the 43rd year from Friday until next Sunday.

The public is asked to spend one hour recording the birds in their garden, balcony or local park, then send the results to the RSPB.

Last year a record 78,066 Scots took part – double the previous best – counting a total of 1,527,163 birds.

The house sparrow was Scotland’s most spotted garden bird, ahead of the starling and blue tit, but half of the top 20 birds had suffered a decline in numbers from 2020.