As part of the Big Garden Birdwatch, being held this weekend, RSPB Scotland hopes people will spend one hour recording which birds visit their gardens or local parks.

The conservation charity wants birdwatchers to look out for sightings of species such as redwing, fieldfare, brambling and waxwings.

It said snow and ice could result in the creatures that normally feed on invertebrates or berries venturing into gardens for food.

Keith Morton, of RSPB Scotland, said: "Sudden changes in the weather can be difficult for birds, particularly as until now it has been fairly mild.

"Species such as fieldfares, brambling and redwing arrive in Scotland from Scandinavia in the winter and are often spotted feeding on berries, so to hear that they appear to be struggling to find food naturally is concerning.

"Fortunately, these usually shy birds will use gardens in bad weather and make use of the extra help provided by humans to get enough energy to endure the freezing winter nights."