RSPB's Big Garden Bird Watch 2007

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world's biggest bird survey.

Thanks to its simplicity and the small time it takes to do, the Big Garden Birdwatch has always had great support.

In 2006, a record-breaking 470,000 people took part, by counting the birds in their garden for an hour and then sending us their results.

The records provide the RSPB with a vital snapshot of the UK's birds each winter. Over the years our scientists can record patterns in bird numbers and use this to help prioritise our bird conservation work.

The survey has recorded the huge declines in some of our most familiar birds. Since 1979, the number of house sparrows counted has fallen by 52% and the number of starlings by 72%.

Calling all armchair scientists. By joining hundreds of thousands of people across the UK and counting the birds in your garden, you really are helping to save wild birds.

Take part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2007 on 27-28 January and help make it the biggest and best yet.