BIRD-LOVERS in Worcestershire are being asked to take part in the world's biggest wildlife survey this weekend.

The RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch is expected to show the impacts of warmer, wetter weather. Up to half a million people are expected to take part in this year's event, which will help the charity produce a picture of the impacts on common birds of rising temperatures.

In particular, the RSPB anticipates there will be changes to the numbers of goldfinches and blue tits.

The colourful Goldfinch is expected to break into the top 10 for the first time in the survey's 29-year history.

Many of our Goldfinches go to southern Europe for the winter, but the RSPB is expecting that more will stay in the UK this year due to milder temperatures.

Dr Andre Farrar of the RSPB said: "UK temperatures continue to rise, the last six years have been the warmest since records began. Over the same time, numbers of Goldfinches seen in gardens during the Big Garden Birdwatch have steadily increased.

Last year they were placed 11th. They would certainly make an attractive addition to the 2008 top 10." While wet conditions may have been detrimental to blue tits, the RSPB hopes blackbirds and song thrushes will have thrived.

Last year's warm, wet summer will have made it easier to find snails, slugs and earthworms to feed their young.

Sarah Kelly, the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch co-ordinator, invited everyone to get take part in the survey.

She said: "The great thing about Big Garden Birdwatch is that anyone can do it.

"You don't need to be an expert, all you need is a pen and paper. It's easy, it's fun and it only takes an hour.

"Grab a cuppa, sit down, relax and enjoying looking at your garden and the birds in it.

"Just record the highest number of each species seen at any one time and send us your results."

Visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch for more information and to submit your results online. For more information on gardening for wildlife, log onto www.rspb. org.uk/hfw