Great Garden Birdwatch guide: It's time to watch the birdie

• Click here for a PDF of our guide, above, to print out aid help with your birdwatch

Today the Shropshire Star provides you with a special print-out and keep guide to every bird you are likely to see turn up in your garden.

Some, like the sparrow and starling, are almost certain to emerge at one point or another.

Others, like a kingfisher and barn owl, are far less likely.

But the beauty of birdwatching is that anything is possible and by getting outside for just one hour this weekend you will be helping the RSPB compile a valuable insight into the UK garden birds that are thriving and those doing less well.

The house sparrow was declared the most common garden bird of 2015 after last year's Great Garden Birdwatch. It was followed by the starling, blackbird, blue tit, wood pigeon, chaffinch, robin, great tit, goldfinch and collared dove.

With Shropshire and Mid Wales being a largely rural region, the variety seen here is likely to be greater so it is well worth finding out what is out there. The rules are simple. Spend one hour in your garden or local park at any time over this coming weekend and jot down what you see.

Make a tally and then pass the results to the RSPB.

You will have to log on to take part in the Great Garden Birdwatch at rspb.org.uk and follow the simple instructions.

There are also several events taking place in our region to coincide with the event.

The team at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre at Craven Arms will be leading a range of activities to encourage people to get involved in birds.

Alongside birdwatching activities, one of the main attractions tomorrow will be the chance for visitors to get up close to barn owls, tawny owls and a little owl.

Don't forget to take your Shropshire Star guide with you this weekend – and happy birdwatching!