Manx BirdLife is encouraging everyone to get out over the Christmas period and check out what birds are sharing the festive season with us on the Island. Severe weather could lead to unusual birds being seen including beautiful Waxwings but even our local birds could add excitement whilst walking off the Christmas pudding. To take part in the Bird Race, just submit sightings either by email to christmasbirds@manxbirdlife.im, by using the reporting form on http://manxbirdlife.im/info/your-observations/, by Twitter (to ‘ManxBirdLife’), or by text message to 07976 421992. Birds must be seen on or above the Isle of Man (or its territorial waters) between 00.00 on 25/12/2011 and 24:00 on 31/12/2011 and there’s no limit to the time that can be spent on the Bird Race. Just note the date and place where the birds were seen, their species and number and any interesting aspects of behaviour observed. Rare birds will need more detailed descriptions so that their identity can be verified. The Manx BirdLife website will be regularly updated so that you can keep up to date with Bird Race results. ENDS