WHO’LL BE this year’s top ten? Will the goldfinch continue its amazing climb? Have we seen the last of the dunnock, and will the chaffinch keep its top spot?

Just some of the questions the RSPB could answer with just an hour of your time this weekend when the world’s biggest birdwatching exercise takes place.

Last year saw 30,000 Scots among 500,000 in the UK who took part in the Bird Garden Birdwatch. It involves an hour spent looking at the garden, itself a stress-relieving activity.

Since 1979, the annual Garden Birdwatch has helped provide a picture of the impact on common birds of climate change, or last year’s wet summer and the increasing range of foods put out for birds.

Anecdotal evidence suggests increased numbers of migrants such as goldfinch, siskin and redwing in Scotland this year. People can take part by visiting www. rspb.org.uk/birdwatch

Last year’s Scottish results saw the goldfinch in Scotland’s top 10 for the first time. Many goldfinches winter in southern Europe but the RSPB expects more will stay in the UK this year due to milder temperatures.

Jonathan Osborne, of RSPB Scotland, said, “UK temperatures continue to rise and the years 2002-2007 were the warmest since records began and numbers of goldfinches seen in gardens have increased.

“Putting out niger seed, to encourage goldfinches, is becoming increasingly popular. Also, the trend for less manicured gardens encourages plants such as thistles and teasels, which provide vital seeds for finches.”

But 2007’s sodden breeding season may have hit birds such as blue tits. “In the last 40 years blue tits have begun laying eggs ever earlier. This means they are increasingly out-of-sync with the appearance of caterpillars.”

Gardens are a vital habitat for birds and other wildlife. Many UK garden birds are doing well as people provide safe havens for them in homes and gardens.