The RSPB's annual Big Garden Bird Watch, the world's largest bird survey of its kind takes place throughout the county this weekend.

Run in conjunction with Fermanagh District Council and The National Trust, a suite of events have been arranged to mark the occasion.

"We always get a good response and some of the most interesting results come from Fermanagh. Last year 414 people took part in the survey compared to only 101 in 2005 and we would like even more people to participate this year," said the RSPB's Irene Mohan.

A key event will be a bird-watching session in partnership with the council and the National Trust that will take place at Castle Coole, this Sunday, from 2:00-4:00pm meeting at the Stableyard.

"If you can spare 15 minutes in the afternoon why not come along and help us take part in this nation-wide survey, and also learn a bit more about the garden birds here in Fermanagh at the same time." said Martina Magee, Fermanagh District Council's Environment Officer.

The RSPB will be holding events at various primary schools in the county and in addition, the local RSPB members group will be holding a lecture in the Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen, at 7:30pm tomorrow under the title 'Copeland Bird Observatory', a lecture that will be delivered by Neville McKee.

Last year the number one bird in Fermanagh was the chaffinch; it was closely followed by the blue tit and house sparrow. However, the numbers of birds per garden have declined across the board.

"There is no doubt that the numbers of birds feeding and visiting gardens have slowly declined over the years," said Miss Magee, "and some of our most common species, like house sparrows, are now in trouble. Through surveys like this the RSPB are able to detect trends, determine why this is happening and hopefully turn it around. Identifying those species which are under threat at a local level is one of the main aims of Fermanagh District Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan project and participation in surveys, such as the Big Garden Birdwatch help us to build up a picture of what is happening at the local level and identify those species which are in need of conservation assistance."

The beauty about the Big Garden Birdwatch is that you do not have to be an expert and if you are unable to make any of these events, all you have to do is simply watch, count, record your findings and send them back to the RSPB. You can do this by logging online www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or calling the RSPB for a form on 0870 600 7108.