House sparrows

[Steve Buckley]

Is it true what i hear, that House Sparrow numbers are in steady decline, if so i had better keep my eye on my local "Gang"

I spent a hour or so this morning watching them outside my flat, literally knocking seven kinds out of each other, Females included, i might add, so there's nothing ladylike with this mob, lol

I was wondering are they always such narky little bleeders toward each other, as they've been hanging around outside now for over a month, and no matter whats going on at any time of day, they always seem to be bickering!, mind you they are fun to watch and every now and then one will fly up to the top of the trees outside my kitchen window for a rest before they go back for round two.

I managed to get this shot of one the other morning, as he was taking a breather between rounds, i'm quite happy with it, seeing as i'v had to crop it a fair bit as my lens isn't really long enough, but who knows what Santa will bring?



Hopefully the Sparrows will stay around as they are without a doubt one of the most entertaining of Garden Birds to watch and have always been a favourite of mind.

cheeky little beggers but loads of character

[Sue2]

Hi Steve, they are in decline (along with most birds, sadly), but if you have your own regular little flock that hardly ever seem to be away from you, then you have a good chance of always having them staying put and reproducing. Keep food out for them, ours love sunflower hearts, peanuts and anything else that's on offer. Try to keep a patch of soil for them to dust-bathe in, some water (a small man-made pond will do) too then you'll really see the fun begin! Great photo opportunities there!

That is a lovely photo of him.

[Picidae]

Originally Posted by Steve Buckley

Is it true what i hear, that House Sparrow numbers are in steady decline, if so i had better keep my eye on my local "Gang"

Maybe you could do slightly more than that and post your House Sparrow sightings on Birdtrack it's very simple and also essential data for the BTO that monitors our wildbird populations and breeding successes.

Link here: Home page

As for them being in decline: An emphatic 'yes'. Since monitoring began in 1976, there has been a rapid decline of House Sparrows (60% in towns which form the largest sector habitat for this species, followed closely by villages, then pasture and arable habitats (which make up about a third of the overall UK habitat for HS) which have seen a 47% decline . The decline is attributed largely to failure at chick stage, with several causes being apportioned eg. agricultural methods, modern gardening preferences (eg patios and decking and non-indigenous potted plants!) and pollutants.

Linnet, Yellowhammer, Willow Tit, Marsh Tit and Corn Bunting have also seen similar decline over the past 25yrs or so.

For more info, google the BTO web site (British Trust for Ornithology) and keep watching those House Sparrow - some ground feeders containing seed should help through the winter, as would some long term gardening choices such as planting wild flowers and privet.