Sparrows & Sparowhawks

Pet bird, not at all but he does sit in my hide and wait for dinner, usually without success.

Don' worry it's not our fault, it's the Sparrowhawks that have killed our songbirds. That's the opinion of an eminent Doctor that has more education than sense.

The sparrow population did well before we decimated the birds of prey with D.D.T. now they are increasing in numbers they cannot be blamed for a decline which started when there numbers where low, for our own miss management of the environment. Predation is a natural part of the balance of nature, food availability throughout the year does effect bird numbers. Eagles are blamed for killing grouse but there are just as many grouse on moors where there are eagle as where there are not. Food governs grouse numbers and is the biggest factor in sparrows numbers. In the past ignorant stupid people have shot Hen Harriers, (who am I having a go at) this is the end result of people not bothering to understand how nature works.

The White tailed Sea Eagle is back, buzzards are all over the country, the Peregrine Falcon is doing better, Red Kites are spreading and the Osprey story is inspiring. But please if you are in a position that can influence people, sometimes it's better to say nothing and keep us guessing.