PEOPLE are being encouraged to report any sightings of swifts to the RSPB.

The British population of the bird has swooped 40 per cent in the past 20 years, prompting fears of imminent extinction.

Many modern buildings do not have the nooks and crannies suitable for nesting.

This is believed to be a factor in their decline.

The birds will be active in the UK for the next few days so there is still time to log any last-minute sightings.

Anyone wishing to do so can at www.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/ discoverandlearn/swifts.