News: January 2004

The British Trust for Ornithology is urging gardeners in Scotland to join their long running 'Garden Birdwatch' survey in a bid to extend the coverage north of the border.

Results from the BTO's survey show that Scottish gardens are particularly important for some species at certain times of the year, e.g. Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) and Yellowhammers (Emberiza citrinella) in winter. Evidence suggests that populations of these and other species of farmland bird are quite mobile and benefit from winter food provided by gardeners.

BTO. 2004. Scotland's gardens are a refuge for declining birds. Viewed on the web at http://www.bto.org/news/news2004/scotfeed_4.htm on January 17th 2004.