Folk living in Northumberland are being asked to take part in a mass birdwatch.

Teaming up for the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch, neighbours can provide an invaluable look at how the UK's garden birds are faring.

Last year saw more than half a million participants across the UK, resulting in a count of some nine million birds.

A total of 3,201 people took part in Northumberland, where the house sparrow claimed the title of most sighted, followed by the blue tit and starling.

Hexham Courant: House Sparrows have been taking the top spot every year despite numbers dropping House Sparrows have been taking the top spot every year despite numbers dropping (Image: RSPB)

Held on the last weekend of January, participants watch for visitors from the comfort of their own homes, parks, or balconies.

RSPB's chief executive, Beccy Speight said: "By taking part in the Birdwatch you are joining hundreds of thousands of people from across the UK, united in a love of nature, to play an important role in helping us understand how UK birds are doing."

In 2023, house sparrows celebrated 20 years as the most sighted garden bird in the UK.

However, their numbers have dropped by almost 60 per cent since the Birdwatch's inception in 1979.

Hexham Courant: Participants watch their gardens and record which birds land Participants watch their gardens and record which birds land (Image: Nigel Blake)

Ms Speight said: "With birds and other wildlife now facing so many challenges due to nature and climate emergency, every count matters."

The Big Garden Birdwatch 2024 takes place from January 26-28.