BOLTON'S bird lovers have been keeping their feathered friends alive throughout the winter by filling bird tables with a range of gourmet delights.

And, according to a survey by Lancashire Wildlife Trust, 47 different species of birds have chosen to make their homes in the gardens of Bolton.

Sadly seven of these species have been given a high alert status by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

Voluntary Projects Officer for the Wildlife Trust, Philip Ashcroft says: "This year's response to the garden bird survey has been fantastic.

"We need these surveys to monitor trends within the area - as well as making comparisons with national surveys."

Gardens are particularly good places to conduct bird surveys as, to some extent, they are replacing their natural habitat.

"We were particularly surprised," says Philip, "to see the house sparrow on the alert status - unfortunately Bolton's population of this common bird appears to be following the national trend of a species in decline. This also goes for the starling."

But, on a brighter note, the Lancashire Wildlife Trust is extremely pleased with, what they describe as "a dramatic increase" in another high alert species, tree sparrows - from just one in 1997 to 16 this year.

"And other birds doing well in Bolton include bullfinch, reed bunting and the song thrush," says Philp.

"However," he warns, "these results don't mean we should stop worrying about our garden birds - without help and protection through the winter, all species are potentially at risk."

On a lighter note, he was delighted to see that over 80 per cent of people surveyed fed the birds on a daily basis.

"The range of food finding its way onto the bird tables of Bolton is quite remarkable," says Philip, "with such gourmet delights as bacon, cheese, mash, porridge and cake."

He adds: "The annual bird survey is vital to keep track of species, both locally and nationally. The Bolton Wildlife Project needs the support of local people and we would like to thank all those who took part in the survey."

Bolton Wildlife Project can be contacted at 125 Blackburn Road, Bolton BL1 8HF. Tel 01204 361847.

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