Dr Avery added: “There’s no denying that the timing of our seasons is changing. Despite the recent cold spell, UK winters are significantly warmer than they were 30 years ago. Through Big Garden Birdwatch we can all see the effect this is having on the birds in our gardens, even if we’re unable to see the wider effects with our own eyes. “In the last five years, birds such as blackcaps have been seen more often.

Milder winter temperatures in the UK mean these birds aren’t bothering to fly south. It would have been virtually unheard of to see these in UK gardens 30 years ago when the birdwatch first started.”

Following the coldest start to the winter for 30 years, blackcaps may not be so widely seen this year. However, the RSPB is predicting other unusual visitors. Reports of redpolls, yellowhammers and bramblings in gardens have been flooding into the RSPB. If these birds have cottoned on to gardens as an easy source of food and water, it’s possible they’ll appear over the weekend so keep your eyes peeled! Sarah Kelly, the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch co-ordinator, said: “The great thing about Big Garden Birdwatch is you never know what you’re going to see – I guess that’s exciting and frustrating in equal measures!