Sparrows

nightshade · #1 (**permalink**) 31-12-2005, 02:16 PM

Just looking out of my window I have around 30 sparrows feeding on the ground +another14 on the feeders (I have tried some pics. but the double
glazing shows so obviously)
Is this a sizeable flock nowdays? there were very few around until I started feeding regularly with the sort of grain they seem to need now that farms are such sterile areas compared to 30 years ago

Helen · #2 (**permalink**) 31-12-2005, 02:45 PM

Lucky you! I don't get sparrows in the garden, didn't do in the previous one either. I'd say that's a pretty good number of sparrows to have in the garden!

nightshade · #3 (**permalink**) 31-12-2005, 03:00 PM

The really amazing thing is where do they go,the sparrowhawk and kestrel
appear and birds just scatter literally in the blink of an eye,they do not seem to roost in the vicinity, as most of the bargeboards etc.are almost hermetically sealed plastic on the houses roundabout

wildone · #4 (**permalink**) 31-12-2005, 03:26 PM

House sparrows will roost in hedges, small trees etc. Their big problem is nest sites now that so many houses no longer have holes into which the sparrows can gain access to the roof spaces. My thoughts on the best way to encourage and keep House Sparrows is to set up nesting boxes. If you can buy or make the type that can be divided into flats so much the better. I'm sure RSPB or BTO can give you the gen on them.
BTW Helen do you have Tree Sparrows? They are much more likely to be in your kind of gaarden. They too will nest in the communal type boxes. Not sure of hole sizes but again birding organisations should be able to help.

Helen · #5 (**permalink**) 31-12-2005, 03:48 PM

Hi Wildone. No tree sparrows either. Ah well, I console myself with the fact I have nuthatches, marsh tits etc. It is super news though that Nightshade has a good number of them in the garden.

shirljune12 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006, 01:53 PM

my husband made a sprrow box this year now have house sparros nesting in it

Tinkerbell · #7 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006, 03:32 PM

Well done shirljune12 - a bit of success spurs you on to do even more to welcome the wild into the garden.

Tink

paulthomas · #8 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006, 04:21 PM

I've got a die-hard little group of sparows living in the Leylandi tree in my front garden. I think they may nest in there too.

nightshade · #9 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006, 06:01 PM

is this a parrallel thread??

paulthomas · #10 (**permalink**) 05-05-2006, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightshade

is this a parrallel thread??

It certainly seems that way

Greengage · #11 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 03:19 PM

I'm pleased to say that there is a large increase in House Sparrows in my area compared to last year. You would be lucky to spot two pairs last year but now groups of half a dozen or more are everywhere. What is going on? I've also noticed an increase in bird activity generally compared to last year. We really get a dawn chorus. Is this due to the long cold winter? Birds that would only pass through this area - fairly urban, on the edge of London - during the Spring are hanging around. It's nice to have the Goldfinches singing in the tree outside my house ( before it was just the occasional Chaffinch) and the little wrens have survived the winter - 2 years ago there were none.

Tamworth Weather · #12 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006, 12:42 PM

How do you encourage sparrows? There are plenty around and about my 7 year old housing estate, but none actually on it (you have to go 200 yards down the road).

I've got many feeders up, with different varieties of seeds. So far I only have 2 finches, 2 bluetits 1 greattit a robin and 2 blackbirds - this after 1 year of continual efforts to encourage birds.

life through a lens · #13 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildone

My thoughts on the best way to encourage and keep House Sparrows is to set up nesting boxes. If you can buy or make the type that can be divided into flats so much the better. I'm sure RSPB or BTO can give you the gen on them.

Try the following for the RSPB pages on nestboxes and how to make them:

http://www.rspb.org.uk/gardens/whaty...oxes/index.asp

I know from the sparrows nesting in my garden that your best investment will be a good water pistol to keep the local moggies away from the nests

Olly

nightshade · #14 (**permalink**) 08-05-2006, 06:30 PM

They need somewhere to feed ; insects are very important so garden with them in mind!
they eat grain and when farms were less tidy,scavanged a living around farm yards.
Have a look at where they are frequenting see what they have that you do not probably ivy,
and privet long grass no decking food and cover