THE latest results of the ongoing census of British bird populations are a mixed bag, says the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).

There was a huge drop in linnet numbers, down 46%, and three other species declined: garden warbler (-14%), blackcap and willow warbler (both -16%) but several other species showed signs of fighting back: long-tailed tit up 23%; whitethroat, up 21%, and reed warbler (+18 %).

Other good news from the BTO is that churchyards and cemeteries have now become important habitats for birds because they are mainly peaceful- "the occupants are rather quiet," comment the experts - tend to be well managed, and, in church yards especially, the presence of evergreen shrubs and trees is helpful to certain species like greenfinch and goldcrest.

Most common British birds have made their homes amongst the gravestones, including some known to be in long-term decline: the song thrush, starling, dunnock and house sparrow.

This abundance of species has also made church yards home to birds of prey: several cases have been reported of the rare but lovely peregrine falcon nesting in church steeples and towers rather than their more usual cliffside habitats.