Exotic birds 'could be seen on the garden shed'

19:04:20 29th April 2010

Lucky gardeners may see a goldfinch sitting on top of their garden sheds over the summer because their numbers increased by 78 per cent last year.

Goldfinches may be joined by the Long-Tailed Tit or the Greater Spotted Woodpecker, because their numbers have grown too, according to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

The BTO published the findings of its Garden BirdWatch, a survey carried out weekly by gardening and bird fans, yesterday.

Dr Tim Harrison, BTO Garden BirdWatch, said: "The use of gardens by Goldfinches changed markedly throughout 2009. However, in the summer there was a particularly pronounced increase in their occurrence in gardens."

He added that the food left by gardening and bird lovers for the creatures may have been responsible for the growth in numbers.

If people want to see more goldfinches sitting on or near the garden shed, Stephen Moss from the Guardian suggests leaving mealworms, peanuts and berries in bird feeders to attract them.

Find out more information about garden sheds.