The big garden birdwatch results have been issued .. here are North Yorkshire's top ten birds.

Ironically the most common bird, our much loved house sparrow, is declining in numbers. You can help the RSPB find out why.

Feathered top ten

You hear the birds singing - ever wondered what they are? Here are North Yorkshire's top ten birds for last year.

Here's a picture gallery of the ten most common birds in North Yorkshire. See them, hear them, and read notes on how to identify our familiar feathered friends.

It's tough at the top.

The house sparrow is top of the pops as far as North Yorkshire is concerned, but studies over the last 25 years have shown that their numbers has more than halved.

The most worrying thing is that the reason for their decline still isn't known.

The RSPB wants to find out more about house sparrow numbers in the region and is asking for help with a survey of the birds, which will run from 3-11 May 2003.

The survey will add to our knowledge of the familiar and much loved house sparrow and help find out why it is in decline.

To take part in the survey call the RSPB's house sparrow hotline number:

0870 601 0215 (calls charged at national rate)
or
writefor information to:
RSPB, Sparrowatch
2003, FREEPOST ANG10850,
17 Birkheads Road,
Reigate,
RH2 9SP.