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Well, if you know your blackbirds from your robins you could take part in this year's RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch.

It is the world's biggest survey of its kind and it will take place on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 January.

The RSPB uses the results to paint a picture of what's happening in the bird kingdom and whether there are any species in danger.

Number one bird

In 2004, the sparrow was crowned Britain's most popular garden bird, knocking the starling off the top spot for the first time in the survey's 25-year history.

In 1979 there were 15 starlings per garden on average, but last year there were just 4.3.

To help to find out this year's top bird, then you just need a spare hour to count how many birds you see in your garden or local park.

After you've found out what the most popular bird is during your survey, you can log on to the RSPB's website and enter your results. The best time to spot birds is in the morning when they're out searching for food.

Last year, nearly 13,000 people across Norfolk took part in the event, but the RSPB hopes even more bird lovers will get involved in 2005.

Norwich events

In Norwich, children are being encouraged to find out more about their feathered friends at a special show.

The Feeders And Breeders Ticklish Allsorts Roadshow will take place at Waterloo Park Pavilion on Monday 24 January at 6.30pm. There will be games, jokes, songs, competitions and funny sketches to teach children more about birds.

The event is for 5 to 11-year-olds and costs £2 for children with free admission for adults.

There will also be a Big Garden Birdwatch Roadshow at The Forum in Norwich on 28 and 29 January from 10am to 4pm. People will be on hand to give advice on how to take part and you can also pick up Big Garden Birdwatch forms.

Those who want to take part in the survey can go along to Colney Woodland Burial Park on the outskirts of Norwich. Visitors can go to the park between 9am and 4pm on 29 and 30 January to count how many species they can spot, with the help of a bird identifiation chart. The park has two bird feeding places alongside nearly 50 bird boxes and four owl boxes.

• For more information on the event, you can visit the RSPB website or call the hotline for a form on 08701 222 791 - calls are charged at the national rate.