NEARLY 500,000 bird lovers took part in the world’s biggest survey, including more than 70 enthusiasts at Haslemere Museum.

The RSPB’s annual Big Garden Birdwatch will use the reports submitted of what was spotted during one hour, to provide a vital snapshot of the state of the UK’s birds this winter.

The survey will also help chart ‘at risk’ species such as starlings and song thrushes, which have declined by 80 per cent and 70 per cent since the survey began in 1979.

RSPB representatives Mike and Maureen Peach joined Haslemere Museum’s Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday, to explain the charity’s work and give out packs so visitors could go home and count the birds in their own gardens.

During the day of bird-themed activities, visitors enjoyed the colouring and making simple food chain mobiles, with a nut inside a mouse, inside an owl.

They also made bird cake from suet and bird seed to hang in their gardens to attract birds and had an opportunity to try out some powerful binoculars and a scope to get close-up views of the birds in the museum garden.

“As a museum with a huge number of natural history artefacts, it is great to be involved in a national event and encourage people to think about and care for their environment,” education officer Kay Topping said. “It was especially nice to see the children proudly going home with the bird cakes they had made.”

A family half-term drop-in event “Minibeast Mayhem” with bugs and beasties will be held at the museum on Tuesday, February 16 (11am-3pm).