BIRD lovers in the North-East have been asked to form flying squads this weekend to watch out for and report any unusual species they see in their gardens.

As part of Big Garden Birdwatch, RSPB is asking people to help to find out more about garden bird populations, by taking part in the survey.

The organisation is expecting more sightings of unusual garden birds.

RSPB North-East spokesman David Hirst said: "We have had intelligence that people are increasingly seeing some unusual visitors making a flying visit to their gardens and this year's Big Garden Birdwatch could produce some surprising reports.

"Alongside the typical garden birds, such as the starling and blue tit, we are expecting sightings of birds that were once rare garden visitors, including some from as far afield as Siberia."

To take part in Big Garden Birdwatch, people are being asked to spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, or local park, and to record the highest number of each bird species seen at any one time.

Mr Hirst said: "The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night."

For further information, visit the RSPB website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch or telephone 0191-233 4321.