Nature lovers are being asked to take part in a survey which will provide a snapshot of which birds are flourishing in the area.

The Big Garden Birdwatch, organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), takes place on today, Saturday and Sunday, with people asked to spend an hour watching and recording the birds in their garden, balcony or local park.

They can then send their results to the RSPB, which will use the information to build a picture of which wild birds are doing well and which are at risk.

Hundreds of local residents took part in last year’s survey, with the house sparrow the most frequently spotted bird in the area.

The starling was the second most spotted bird, with the blue tit in third place.

Anne McCall, director of RSPB Scotland, said: “To help nature, we must first understand it.

“Big Garden Birdwatch is when we all come together to help build a picture of how our wild birds are doing. With the climate and nature crisis unfolding around us, it is more important than ever to grow that understanding.

“You do not have to be an expert – anyone can join in and all of the information is useful. If you don’t have a garden, visit your nearest park or greenspace or simply spend an hour looking out from your window or balcony.

“Last year, 44,000 people across Scotland counted 800,000 birds. We found out that the greenfinch, a species that had been struggling, may be beginning to recover. We recorded a welcome increase in the beautiful goldfinch.

“Perhaps most importantly, everyone taking part stepped back from everyday stresses and strains and spent an hour simply focusing on the wildlife around them.”

For more information or to take part, visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.