Sparrows are not uncommon in our garden, but never in such numbers, perhaps it's the change in weather, the refilled bird feeders or ants in the garden were swarming.
Whatever the reason, watching them flying around the garden and arguing with each other is a great way to spend the late afternoon having spent a weekend unblocking drain pipes:
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The national population of house sparrows has dropped by 65% since the 1970's which has resulted in it being placed on the 'red list'. So not only an entertaining spectacle, but hopefully signs of a successful breeding season.
As an invasive species here in the U.S., we are trying to get rid of house sparrows! I still got a bunch of photos last weekend of a new family, but because of their aggression they kick other native birds out of their nests.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, they are here to stay.
Hi Slugyard,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to my blog and for an interesting comment. It is ironic that one of the reasons for the UK decline in song birds is the grey squirrel - introduced from America.
Your comment has inspired me to write a blog post about the invasive species we get here.