Chester Zoo taking part in the nationwide RSPB Birdwatch next weekend

Jan 21 2010 Chester Chronicle

CHESTER Zoo to open its doors to bird watchers.

Members of the public are being invited to take part in the world’s largest wildlife survey, RSPB’s Big Garden Bird Watch in Chester Zoo’s 110 acre site on Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31.

Visitors will have the chance to complete the watch within the zoo and submit their own findings to Chester Zoo.

The charity will then submit the group’s findings to the national survey.

There will also be two guided tours on offer each day at 11am and 2pm, lasting approximately one hour.

The tours will be given by one member of RSPB who will focus on the garden and common birds and one of Chester Zoo’s birdŠkeepersŠwho will talk about exotic species and the zoo’s current collection and programmes.

Bird watchers and any members of the public can also enjoy bird box and bird feeder making activities, as well as a marquee exhibiting feathers, nests and eggs.

The event partners will be RSPB, Record and Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Normal admission fees into the zoo will apply. Please book your place on the tour by submitting your details at whatson@chesterzoo.org.

Anyone can take part and simply spend one hour over the weekend counting the birds in their garden or local park and record the highest number of every bird species seen at any one time.

Further information about the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch is available on www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch.