Goldcrests, treecreepers and a sparrowhawk were some of the highlights of the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch held last weekend  at the York Museum Gardens.

In one of the four guided sessions members of the public and experts spotted 18 different species in an hour.

A small flock of long-tiled tits and numerous finches were also recorded.

Stuart Ogilvy, assistant curator of natural sciences, said:

“We had some great sightings throughout the day, with the public really enjoying spotting the female sparrowhawk and the elusive treecreepers.

“But I think it was the goldcrests, Britain’s smallest bird, which particularly caught the imagination. We are lucky enough to have quite a few living in the Gardens and it was great that they made an appearance for those out braving the cold.”

Other species which were spotted include: a song thrush, greenfinch, goldfinch and a wren. For the full list of the birds spotted over the four one hour sessions, please see below.

The York Museum Gardens team have been actively working to make the gardens a home for birds, with nest boxes and feeders placed throughout the ten acre site.

Alison Pringle, gardens manager, also looks to create habitats which provide natural food sources and homes for the birds and other wildlife.

List of birds spotted in York Museum Gardens

Blackbird – 19
Chaffinch – 8
Greenfich – 4
Treecreeper – 2
Blue Tit – 14
Great Tit – 11
Coal Tit – 3
Carrion Crow – 6
Magpie – 4
Wood Pigeon – 22
Feral Pigeon – 35
Robin – 6
Long-tailed Tit – 12
Dunnock – 2
Goldcrest – 3
SongThrush – 2
Wren – 2
Goldfinch – 3
Black-headed Gull – 2
Sparrowhawk – 1
Field Mouse – 2