FREEZING temperatures and snowfall have hindered land owners’ efforts to complete the annual Big Farmland Bird Count. The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust has had to extend the wildlife survey so people can do the count safely. More than 1,500 people took part in the event last year, as land owners are being asked to go outside for half an hour and count the birds they see. It usually ends today, but now people can continue the count until February 21. The GWCT’s Dr Roger Draycott, who organises the event, said: “We have heard from a number of farmers and gamekeepers that they are keen to complete the count, but the weather has so far been unsuitable or unsafe.