Regular readers of the Oakeley blog will know that we love all creatures great and small here at the Oakeley Arms, and we’re always looking to celebrate the fantastic wildlife that surrounds us here in beautiful Snowdonia.

So, a news story that caught our sleepy eyes this morning was all about Britain’s favourite birds! Did you know that currently, Britain does not officially have a national bird? Unlike the Emu of Australia, the Kestrel of Belgium, the Condor of Bolivia, the Rooster of France or the Bald Eagle of the USA. to name just a few other famous national birds.

An enthusiastic ornithologist called David Lindo (dubbed the “Urban Birder”) has started a campaign to get the British public voting this year. And not just on political matters either! Mr Lindo is calling on the public to vote for Britain’s National Bird, and out of an original 60 native British birds, the list has been shrunk to just 10. The favourite should be a representative of all things British, and all that is great about our little country.

Many other nations have already elected their National Bird, so Britain is certainly lagging behind. The Robin is often regarded as a national bird for the UK, but this title is unofficial.

Mr Lindo’s top ten includes:

• Barn Owl
• Blackbird
• Blue Tit
• Hen Harrier
• Kingfisher
• Mute Swan
• Puffin
• Red Kite
• Robin
• Swan

Voting is open now, and the poll will close on the 7th May – to coincide with Britain’s other great big poll (have we missed something, tee hee?!). David Lindo hopes that one of the first jobs for the newly elected government will be to unveil the winner of the vote for Britain’s National Bird.

So, which is your favourite? Get voting now, and find out more information at www.votenationalbird.com