Local Conservation...

A day off today has been spent doing something constructive for the garden wildlife, in particular the Tree Sparrows. All of our nest boxes have had a bit of a spring clean ready for this years breeding season. We now have 8 good, viable Tree Sparrow boxes in pretty close proximity to form a colony, with a 9th box sort of on the periphery that I've left un-numbered as it might not be suitable, we'll see. The three hole terrace is counted as one box not three.

When cleaning out, it was pleasing to see that every single box has been occupied previously so lets hope the same happens this year. I'll be keeping a count of the occupied ones as the season starts. Usually we have about 6 pairs that each have 2 or 3 broods so by September the garden is heaving with Tree Sparrows. Its a bit concerning that this winter despite being mild, numbers at the feeders seem lower with only about a dozen birds present? Maybe they're more spread locally?

We also feed seed all year round for our hungry spuggies. I wonder if a House Sparrow will nest this year? We get as meany as Tree Sparows, but rarely have them nesting....

While doing the boxes I found time to plant three willow rods in the little wood, to fill a gap along the edge....