Are you in the bird race?

You may not see a partridge in a pear tree, but are you looking out for birds between now and New Year?

The second annual Christmas bird race is currently taking place.

Organised by Manx Birdlife, the aim of the "race" is to see how many species of bird can be logged between Christmas and new year.

Last year 103 species were reported and its hoped the figure can be beaten this year.

The race isn't a competition as such - the aim is for Manx birdwatchers to work together to see the maximum number of species possible.

Sightings must be on or above the Isle of Man or Manx territorial waters and made between Christmas day and the start of the new year.

One of the birds that its hoped will be spotted is the waxwing - a winter visitor from northern Scandanavia. None were seen last year . . but quite a few have been on the Island recently.

Any observations should include your name, date and place of observation plus the species and number of birds seen.

Sightings can be submitted by email to christmasbirds@manxbirdlife.im, by Twitter to @ManxBirdLife hashtag ManxBirdRace, on the Manx Birdlife Facebook page or text message on 07976 421992