THE SEARCH is on for the bird that most represents Hampshire for a year-long festival of birds featuring woodland walks.
Conservation organisations have nominated six birds and people can vote for the one they think best fits the bill.
The choice is Brent Goose, firecrest, nightjar, lapwing, little egret and kestrel.
The winning bird will be incorporated into the festival logo.
The Hampshire Bird Festival will start on Valentine's Day, February 14, the start of National Bird Box Week, when people are encouraged to build nesting boxes in their garden.
The celebration of the birds of Hampshire will include teaching people to recognise the difference between birds by song.
Meanwhile museum displays will showcase the work of taxidermist Edward Hart at Eastleigh Museum, birds in fashion and textiles at Westbury Manor in Fareham and a raven burial at Basingstoke's Willis Museum.
People can take part in the Hampshire Bird Vote by logging on to the Hampshire County Council website: www.hants.gov.uk
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