THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is challenging people to make Big Garden Birdwatch 2003 its biggest ever.

Last year 1,823 people in Greater Manchester were part of the 262,000 nationally who took part in the 24 year old survey, which helps the society build up a picture of how well our common birds are doing.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2003 takes place on January 25-26 and RSPB regional garden bird adviser Kirsten Whittaker is hoping that more people than ever will watch the birds in their garden, local park or school for an hour during that weekend. Last year the starling was number one in Greater Manchester with an average of 4.6 seen in the county's gardens. The house sparrow (3.4) was second with the blue tit in third on 2.8.

Birdwatchers don't have to be an expert to join in. Just spend one hour counting the birds in the garden or local park and record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time.

To take part visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or contact RSPB regional office on 01484 861148 for a survey form.