[woodwolf]

Originally Posted by Sy V

Increase in House Sparrows at our gaff and immediate surrounds?
Yes, certainly, but nothing like your (commendable) figures, John!

I noticed a return recently to a familiar patch, but not sure about numbers yet. I worry folks think I am a bit odd when all I am trying to do is observe the local TS population on that lane !!

[Gavo]

Originally Posted by woodwolf

I noticed a return recently to a familiar patch, but not sure about numbers yet. I worry folks think I am a bit odd when all I am trying to do is observe the local TS population on that lane !!

We all know you're odd Mark

Seriously though I have not seen a Tree Sparrow since 1999, admitedly I hav'nt actively seeked one, but nevertheless I would of expected to have spotted one whilst generally out and about, Hayley is writing a paper for uni on a Tree Sparrow protection plan, I'm sure her research will uncover some worrying (if not interesting facts and figures)....

[woodwolf]

Originally Posted by Gavo

We all know you're odd Mark

Seriously though I have not seen a Tree Sparrow since 1999, admitedly I hav'nt actively seeked one, but nevertheless I would of expected to have spotted one whilst generally out and about, Hayley is writing a paper for uni on a Tree Sparrow protection plan, I'm sure her research will uncover some worrying (if not interesting facts and figures)....

My bad Gav ..I was going along with the thread talking about HS and typed TS !! Never seen a TS in Worcs, only up at Belvide..I have 3 mini populations of them in the Village

[Gavo]

Originally Posted by woodwolf

My bad Gav ..I was going along with the thread talking about HS and typed TS !! Never seen a TS in Worcs, only up at Belvide..I have 3 mini populations of them in the Village

Oh dear Mark, nevermind they are both of the Passer family so I will not hold it against you So you know of three populations in your village, are they seperate populations or of the same community, will be interesting to know the history of them.

[Sy V]

Managed to snap a couple of Redwing trying to ruin the Christmas decorations this morning.

[upstarts1979]

My garden has been quiet for the most part over the autumn early winter.
Recently Blackcap , bullfinch, only 20 House sparrows (usually 45 - 50 most years). However an increase in chaffinch to 8 and 3 greenfinch (non last winter).
At the top of the road c500metres saw a Barn Owl quartering the grassy bank. Tawny owls calling more frequently than ever before, so not all bad news.
John

[Gavo]

My garden has become far more active this past week, 5-8 goldfinch squabbling over the niger, upto 8 greenfinch doing the same over the black sunflower seeds. Also there is a huge rowan 4 gardens along which has been attracting a tawny on a regular basis (always nice).

With the weather finally turning I'm expecting our usual blackcap pair to return soon.

House sparrow population is steady at about 22 birds.

[Phil Andrews]

Originally Posted by Gavo

My garden has become far more active this past week, 5-8 goldfinch squabbling over the niger, upto 8 greenfinch doing the same over the black sunflower seeds. Also there is a huge rowan 4 gardens along which has been attracting a tawny on a regular basis (always nice).

Eagle or pipit?

[Sy V]

Here are a few general shots from this morning while I was out fence fixing on the fields...

[upstarts1979]

In my garden over last week. grey Heron in the pond, blackcap, coal tit, house sparrow 20+, Chaffinch 7 (at least 4 with blisters all over their legs), greenfinch 5,

[woodwolf]

Originally Posted by upstarts1979

In my garden over last week. grey Heron in the pond, blackcap, coal tit, house sparrow 20+, Chaffinch 7 (at least 4 with blisters all over their legs), greenfinch 5,

Papillomatosis ?

[wheatearlp]

Is it just my garden, or has there been a general dearth of garden birds over the last 3-4 weeks? If it's just me then it's either the plethora of local cats or the fact that a couple of trees have been cut down on the bank beyond the bottom of our garden (they were leylandii) and the birds are taking time to get used to the change.

[woodwolf]

Originally Posted by wheatearlp

Is it just my garden, or has there been a general dearth of garden birds over the last 3-4 weeks? If it's just me then it's either the plethora of local cats or the fact that a couple of trees have been cut down on the bank beyond the bottom of our garden (they were leylandii) and the birds are taking time to get used to the change.

Hi Mike, hard to judge, I never see it in daylight except Saturday and Sunday.., but in a week, half the food in my feeders has gone for the second week running

[midlands birder]

Originally Posted by wheatearlp

Is it just my garden, or has there been a general dearth of garden birds over the last 3-4 weeks? If it's just me then it's either the plethora of local cats or the fact that a couple of trees have been cut down on the bank beyond the bottom of our garden (they were leylandii) and the birds are taking time to get used to the change.

Yes, a huge decrease, the flocks are starting to build up again (20c Finches), in my garden after a low a couple of weeks ago (only 5 Birds!) but its well below what it should be by now (60c Finches),
Much more natural food about, so the Siskin, Redpoll, Goldfinch are out in the 'wider' area
MB

[upstarts1979]

Just did my bit started at 8.15am.
Wood pigeon 7, collared dove, magpie, jackdaw 2, blackbird 3, robin 2, starling 2, goldfinch 3, greenfinch 5, chaffinch 2, great tit, blue tit 2, dunnock 2, house sparrow 9,
14 species

[Gavo]

My gardenwatch did'nt turn up any surprises, totals were:

Greenfinch 4, House Sparrow 9, Wood Pigeon 2, Blackbird 1, Wren 1, Goldfinch 2, Starling 1.

The only bird missing from the usual winter count is the Blackcap m/f which have been regular visitors for the past 2 winters, but not seen them at all this winter.

[Brian Stretch]

4 Blackcaps (male & 3 females) in the garden in recent days (best count was 6 together a few winters ago). Otherwise, very quiet this winter.

Brian
___________
Birding Today

[woodwolf]

Garden Birdwatch 1-2pm ish
2 Blue Tits
2 Greenfinch
2 Collard Dove
2 Dunock
1 Blackbird
1 Wren
1 Robin
1 Song Thrush

[The Hairy Birder]

Guy did the Garden Birdwatch on saturday and recorded the following:

2 Robin
10 Yellowhammer (6m) (4f)
12 Greenfinch
4 Blue tit
3 Great Tit
2 Long Tailed Tit
9 Chaffinch
2 Dunnock
G S Woodpecker
3 House Sparrow
Sparrowhawk
Blackbird

I took a few picts previous weekend using my little tent hide I bought - few pics attached.

[upstarts1979]

Originally Posted by The Hairy Birder

Guy did the Garden Birdwatch on saturday and recorded the following:

2 Robin
10 Yellowhammer (6m) (4f)
12 Greenfinch
4 Blue tit
3 Great Tit
2 Long Tailed Tit
9 Chaffinch
2 Dunnock
G S Woodpecker
3 House Sparrow
Sparrowhawk
Blackbird

I took a few picts previous weekend using my little tent hide I bought - few pics attached.

Where is your Farm Si yellowhammers , how big is it.

[The Hairy Birder]

Originally Posted by upstarts1979

Where is your Farm Si yellowhammers , how big is it.

Ha ha! Yes - Old MacBorders Farm! Sadly numbers are down this year of Yellowhammer compared with last winter. Max so far this January is around 15 birds; last winter we had up to 25 birds at one stage (when the snow was on the ground).

Cheers,

Si

[upstarts1979]

Today saw the biggest influx of birds to my garden this winter.
All the common species arrived in good numbers plus a few goodies for the garden.
Admittedly I have really piled the food out in the last few days.
Fielfare 4, redwing 3, blackbird 10+, blackcap pair, lesser redpoll, long tailed tit, house sparrow 25, chaffinch 10, plus the usual regulars.

[upstarts1979]

What a pity the RSPB garden watch wasn't this week.
This morning
Blackbird 12, Fieldfare 4, redwing 3, Blackcap fem, Great spotted woodpecker,
goldfinch 5, long tailed tit, plus 25v house sparrow, 12 chaffinch, also small numbers of dunnock , robin , starling, jackdaw, magpie, collared dove, wood pigeon (7)

suggest people pile out the apples the thrushes are loving em

[upstarts1979]

This afternoon I had 11 Fieldfare and loads of other stuff
including 30 House sparrow and 15 chaffinch. These could be hard weather movement birds, especially chaffinch.
I took a few pics through the windows, just as it was snowing.

[toadoftoadhall]

Lovely birds Fieldfares, I havn't had any in my garden in 5 years.
Did have 4 LT tits today though instead of the usual 3, 4 Robins, 4 Dunnocks, about 20 H Sparrows, a woodpigeon, 2 G Tits, 1 B tit, and a Blackbird that loves fat balls. I have to put one on the ground just for her.
About 2 inch (5 cm ) of snow now