In Russia spring is traditionally the time to put up homemade bird-houses. Putting up trees and hanging homes for birds was particularly popular in Soviet times. Now, with celebrities taking the lead, it could be making a comeback.

Scores of paparazzi and a military-band have turned a staid Soviet tradition into a glamourous event.

“I want our world to be cleaner and more beautiful! But I understand this is a pipedream, considering the rhythm of life here in Moscow. But we have what we have,” pop singer Vlad Topalov said.

Russia's biggest boy bands, TV-presenters and reality show stars were out in force while each gets to mount their own birdhouse, with a personal nameplate.

According to one of Russia's leading ornithologists Viktor Zubakin, bird-houses are extremely helpful in urban areas where the number of birds is limited by the lack of nesting cavities. Usually those trees that have them are removed by the forestry officials to prevent disease.