It's counting garden bird day today.

[McMouse]

I'd like to do this, but other than Blackbirds, Robins and Blue Tills, I haven't a clue what the rest are called. Any experts on CB?

[Barmaid]

Sadly not, I usually have to dive for a bird book to identify anything other than starlings! I do find the RSPB website quite useful though.

Anyway, I've done my count

Result: 3 chickens

[nannybooby]

You must also recognise a sparrow ?

[pusskin]

In the garden bird leaflet from RSPB, we are told that the count is always at the weekend! 28--29 January. (Garden Bird Watch)

[Barmaid]

Tbh Nanny, yes I can do most of the "normal" birds. But distinguishing finches and tits is out of my league.

I'm better with waterfowl really (mainly because I sit and stare at a lake all day).

[rowanwitch]

If you use the RSPB identifier it helps you find the right bird after a few simple questions. Or post on twitching and birdwatching with a description and we will id it for you.

Quick guide to a few more common ones size of a sparrow with soft pink bits chaffinch
Fatter than a sparrow brighter pink bits bullfinch
beigey brown with yellow and red bits goldfinch
like a chaffinch in shape and size but green with yellow bits greenfinch

Black and white and grey with a long tail that goes up and down pied wagtail
Little bird with greyish head and brown body and really thin legs dunnock
Like a bigger blue tit with stripe down breast great tit
small bird pinky grey and black and white long tail long tailed tit (usually a gang of them)
like a blue tiy but grey where the blue is with black cap coal tit
Skinny greyish brown with dark grey or black cap black cap
Big white noisy job with grey wings probably herring gull

[redman41]

The Big Garden Birdwatch is this weekend McMouse, if you take a look at the Link below...

http://www.rspb.org.u...Nqdyq0CFUhrfAodKDK9iA