As Total Bird Numbers Slump In UK, Finches Defy Trend - Reuters

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LONDON - The number of finches spotted in gardens has hit a five-year high, although total bird numbers are well down, according to one of the biggest annual wildlife surveys released on Wednesday.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said the average number of birds spotted in each garden has fallen by a fifth since 2004. Milder winters, fewer hedgerows, the use of pesticides and the growing popularity of wooden decking in gardens are all thought to have fuelled the long-term decline of some species.

However, the warmer weather attracted more finches, especially the colourful goldfinch which made the top 10 for the first time.

"It has definitely been a good winter for finches," said RSPB spokesman Dr Andre Farrar. "We are seeing numbers of goldfinches swell because our milder winters encourage them to stay here instead of going to southern Europe." The goldfinch is a sociable bird with a bright red face, yellow wing patches and a twittering song. They eat insects and like thistle seeds.

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