Simply record on a weekly basis the largest number of each species of bird you have seen in your garden at any one time during that week . If you see five blue tits and one wren one afternoon in your garden, and three blue tits and four wrens the next morning, you record five blue tits and four wrens as that week's entry - couldn't be simpler. Where you have missed a week or not seen a particular bird that week just leave a blank on BWI's simple survey form.

The survey starts on December 1st and runs through to the end of February. Forms should be returned not later than April 1st to: BWI Garden Survey, PO box 12, Greystones, Co Wicklow.

It is important to use the survey form which can be found on this site at: www.ireland.com/timeseye/birds/pdf/garden_survey.pdf or on the BirdWatch Ireland website and which records what sort of garden you have and where, and whether and what food is left out for the birds: www.birdwatchireland.ie/bwi/pages092003/consvwork/surveys/gardenbs.html

Join BirdWatch Ireland
You do not have to be a member of BWI to participate in the survey, but BWI, which is involved in a wide range of conservation and educational activities and has a national branch structure, is anxious to add to its 10,000 membership and is offering a free DVD guide to common and garden birds with annual membership -

Individual: €35       family: €45      school group:€55     

Return to: BirdWatch Ireland DVD Offer, PO Box 12, Greystones, Co Wicklow.