This is why - part 1

Well I suppose it makes sense to actually talk about Sparrows for once, considering the name of the blog. Where we live in Stutton, we are very fortunate to have House Sparrows in the hedge; coming to food that is put out and best of all, nesting in the roof. A space they share with Starlings, Swifts and a small bat roost.
Having this, made me hark back to where I was brought up in Surrey. I say Surrey, but friends often remind me that it is really just the outskirts of Croydon. They have a point. Both statements are true. Forgive me if I am being a snob. Growing up there thirty years ago, spugs were everywhere. Nesting in the roof-space and causing havoc on the old man's veg patch. But them some time between the mid-80s and mid-90s, they disappeared. They didn't just disappear from our garden, but from every other part of the village. I go back today and not a 'chirrup' is to be heard. That is a tragedy.
Perhaps the slow advancment of years and the responsibilities of parenthood are making me sentimental, but this got me thinking. I was thinking that I don't want our son growing up and asking in 20 years time, "Did House Sparrows ever nest here Dad?". So, behold, the dawning of Operation Sparrow. In short, a community project to save and increase their numbers by getting everyone involved - because it needs them if it is to work. Mark Avery, in his book Fighting for Birds talks about "keeping common species common". I rather liked that statement.
Rule 1 of conserving something is "Find out where it is". You couldn't ask for a easier species - noisy and sedentary. I read that the average foraging distance for adult spugs when they are provisioning their young is just 70 metres.  It is obvious from looking around the village where the hotspots are. They are concentrated off the main road (a fast 30mph zone, which in itself may play a part) and most of the housing is of an age where roof-tiles have lifted or gaps have appeared in the woodwork - ideal if you are a House Sparrow. It has taken no time at all to find out where they are and this is something that can be done every year. Try it where you live.