A WIDE variety of birds were spotted during two RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch events held by Tendring Council at the weekend.

Birders joined Tendring Council staff at Weeley Crematorium and Cliff Park, Dovercourt, on Saturday as part of the nationwide initiative to record how the country’s birds are faring.

At Weeley species spotted included Great, Longtailed and Blue Tits, Collared Doves, Jackdaws and Magpies, a Buzzard, a Green Woodpecker and a Greater Spotted Woodpecker, as well as Blackbirds, Robins, Crows, a Wren, Gold Crest, Song Thrush, Chaffinch and Starlings, and Wood Pigeons.

In Cliff Park there were Wood and Feral Pigeons, Crows and Jackdaws, a Pied Wagtail, Collared Doves, Blackheaded, Common and Herring gulls, as well as a Goldfinch and a Sparrowhawk, plus cormorants spotted on the water across from the park.

Michael Talbot, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for the environment, said he was pleased at how well birds seem to be thriving in Tendring’s open spaces.

He added: “The results of the survey show that wildlife is holding its own well within the district, particularly at our Green Flag sites.

“We are very proud of our Green Flag open spaces, and work well with the community to maintain them for everyone to enjoy.”

Residents who took part in this year’s survey have until February 17 to submit their results to rspb.org.uk.