Visitors flock to Hednesford Hills for birdwatch
Twitchers young and old flocked to a museum to take part in a UK-wide wildlife initiative.
Visitors took part in the annual Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Big Garden Birdwatch, at Hednesford Hills.
The birdwatch is the world's largest garden wildlife survey and is now in its 38th year. Eagle-eyed families joined more than half a million people taking part in related events across the UK.
From Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre and Brewood Bird Ringers to The World Owl Trust, a host of organisations were on hand to provide expert knowledge on the birds of Hednesford Hills.
The event was held at the Museum of Cannock Chase in Valley Road, Hednesford, on Saturday.
Carol Moorcroft, operational support officer for the museum, said: "We had around 250 visitors that came along, which was really good to see. And different groups attended to showcase birds of prey to the visitors.
"There were activities for the children who made bird arts and crafts and bird feeders. The event coincides with the Big Garden Birdwatch and we get involved every year. We were really pleased with how it went."
Daniel Hayhow, RSPB conservation scientist said: "With over half a million people now regularly taking part, coupled with over 30 years worth of data, Big Garden Birdwatch allows us to monitor trends and helps us understand how birds are doing.
"With results from so many gardens, we are able to create a 'snapshot' of the birds visiting at this time of year across the UK."
Brewood Ringers held a bird ringing demonstration and children made bird and nature crafts to take home.
As part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, members of the public are asked to spend one hour watching and recording the birds in their garden or a public space, sending their results to the RSPB.
More than half a million people counted more than eight million birds in 2016 – and although figures have not yet been revealed, even more are expected to have spotted this year.
For the first time, this year the birdwatch took place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, giving workers the opportunity to take a screen break and participate from their offices.
The results will be published in March.
