PIGEON populations are booming across west London, while the number of house sparrows is continuing to fall.

The RSPB has just published results of its Big Garden Birdwatch, which encouraged residents to spot different types of bird in their gardens during a weekend in January.

Woodpigeons, blackbirds and blue tits were the most common birds found in gardens in Westminster and Kensington and Chelsea.

But, while an average of 2.27 woodpigeons was found in 67.95 per cent of Kensington and Chelsea's gardens, this dropped to an average of 1.08 for house sparrows, found in just 21.79 per cent of gardens.

Similar trends were noted in Westminster.

This year marked Birdwatch's 30th anniversary, with more than half a million people taking part across the country.

Big Garden Birdwatch co-ordinator Sarah Kelly said: "Gardens are crucial for urban birds and as more and more people realise the importance of feeding and gardening for wildlife we're seeing an increasing variety of birds on our tables and feeders.

"This year's survey took place on a chilly weekend, emphasising the need to supplement birds' natural diets. The changeable conditions predicted as a result of climate change means they'll need out help more than ever."

For more detailed results from your area, see www.rspb.org.uk