Only A Sparrow

The sparrows must be the most underrated and certainly the most under photographed family of British birds. This Autumn whilst I was searching the berry covered hedgerows for Long Eared Owls I came across a small party of Tree Sparrows. As it is more than forty years since I photographed Tree Sparrows I spent several weeks following them along the hedgerows filming where ever I could. Hedge Sparrows ,Robins and House Sparrows were also present enjoying the wealth of Autumn food. Click here Redwings in particular have been present this Autumn in exceptional numbers and are rapidly eating the last of the berries.

The first snow flakes of Winter fell on the 11th January but despite the weeks of mild weather there has been an increase in the number of birds feeding in the garden. A minimum of twenty different species a day have been present this week. Fifteen Long Tailed Tits were present on the 10th, equalling our record. A single Redpoll comes daily which, hopefully, is a good indicator for more in the future.