Since the launch of the RSPB's 'Pecks Factor' competition to find Northern Ireland's favourite bird, the votes have been coming in thick and fast. People across the country have been showing their enthusiasm for local wildlife by getting involved, and for those who thought that this enthusiasm would not extend beyond participants' own gardens, the results are surprising; a wetland bird and sea bird are in contention for the top spot.

As the results stand, the robin is the garden birdfighting for the top spot. It is perhaps the tiny bird's association with Christmas or simply that it provides a garden with colour during a dark and gloomy time of year, and the public has voted in large numbers in support of it. Also in contention for the title, however, are the puffin and kingfisher.

The puffin - most commonly associated with Rathlin Island in this part of the world - has made a surprising, but welcome, appearance in the top three birds so far. A bird so colourful and full of character as the Puffin is, of course, worthy of such support but as a seabird, and one that would not feature in many people's daily lives, it is encouraging to see such widespread support. The same can be said for the kingfisher - a wetland bird.

Calling on the public to continue voting up until June 30th, RSPB NI Spokesperson, Colum Delaney said: "With both a seabird and a wetland bird 'nipping at the heels' of a popular garden bird, the remainder of the competition is sure to be an interesting one. There is still plenty of time to cast a vote and there is the added incentive of winning an opportunity to see red kites after their end of summer release in south Co Down, accompanied by RSPB NI's Red Kite Officer."