MORE than 360 individual birds were spotted in Exminster this year as the village took part in the annual RSPB Big Garden Bird Count.

The most visited gardens this year had counts of 13 species over the hour and across the village 26 species were spotted.

This is the fourth year the village Greenspaces team encouraged residents to take part in the count as part of its work building awareness and appreciation of wildlife.

The count takes place in January each year and on a national scale, uses citizen science to build a picture of how garden bird populations are faring.

This year Exminster reported a similar set of returns from right across the village.

Overall numbers were down on last year, but higher than 2023 and it is thought the stormy weather conditions had an impact.

A spokesman for Exminster Greenspaces said: ‘Another factor that can skew the overall total is whether or not our village flock of starlings mobbed a garden feeder during the count.

‘We had a really high starling count last year.

‘Numbers of sparrows, collared doves and blue tits have held steady or grown over the four years.

‘Greenfinches and chaffinches are generally down and sadly song thrushes seem to be a rare sight these days.

‘It is often the solo sightings that are exciting and lift the spirits.

‘This year we had one off visits by a greater spotted woodpecker and a female sparrowhawk – the latter complete with an ex-sparrow in its talons.

‘Do think about making your garden as bird friendly as you can.

‘If using feeders clean them regularly, as it is really important to avoid spreading disease amongst visiting birds.

'Think about nesting and natural food sources as well as regularly topped up water sources.

‘Thanks to all who took part.’