Tree sparrows

The BTO Garden BirdWatch data show me that the tree sparrows arrived in the garden in Spring 2012, having been very rare visitors before that.  They have been here ever since and may have spread from the large colony based at Big Waters which is only about 2 miles away as the sparrow flies.

During last winter there were a dozen or so based in the garden so there is now a fair-sized local colony.  They have occupied at least four nest boxes in the garden and in three they are presently feeding chicks.  The feeding seems a lot less frenetic than it was with the blue tits, possibly because there are fewer chicks in the nest.  The food seems to be insects of various sorts although the adults are very keen on mixed seed.

I think the three boxes with chicks at present are probably first broods, but there have been chicks around in the garden for the past two or three weeks.

Tree sparrows are very attractive and cheerful birds to have around so I hope they will stay long term.  The plentiful supply of nest boxes and food in the feeders probably helps.