pluvanut
Monday 14th June 2004, 14:55
I've lived in my present house (typical urban) in Worthing on the Sussex coast for 22years. Over the last 2 or 3 years things have changed noticeably in the garden/local bird population. Some of it is reflected by what we read in the birding press, but not all I think.
Fewer Robins, no Thrushes (which I understand is widespread), no Owls that we used to hear, though rarely see; fewer finches, especially Chaffinch.
Sparrows are declining apparently, but we have a flock of about 25 in residence for 3 years (what a racket at 4am!), also Starlings and Blackbirds nesting.
We also have crows nesting in 2 trees in the street and regularly doing battle (literally) with the local common gulls.
Particularly welcome at this time of year (last 2 years) we receive visits from 3 or 4 swifts, twittering and zooming low and very fast over the garden, very close to the house - a real joy to watch and hear. They keep up this high speed circuit for about 1/2 hr just before dusk.
Interested to hear what is going in other local bird friendly gardens, or am I undereducated?
Also posted in Garden Birding Forum.
Fewer Robins, no Thrushes (which I understand is widespread), no Owls that we used to hear, though rarely see; fewer finches, especially Chaffinch.
Sparrows are declining apparently, but we have a flock of about 25 in residence for 3 years (what a racket at 4am!), also Starlings and Blackbirds nesting.
We also have crows nesting in 2 trees in the street and regularly doing battle (literally) with the local common gulls.
Particularly welcome at this time of year (last 2 years) we receive visits from 3 or 4 swifts, twittering and zooming low and very fast over the garden, very close to the house - a real joy to watch and hear. They keep up this high speed circuit for about 1/2 hr just before dusk.
Interested to hear what is going in other local bird friendly gardens, or am I undereducated?
Also posted in Garden Birding Forum.