Hi all,
For a bit of backstory, I’ve been feeding and watching birds in my garden (North London) for over a year now.
I use 2 products from Roamwild (tube and window feeder) who specialise in squirrel/large bird proof feeders. The window feeder is rarely used by blue tits. So, most of the use is at the tube feeder and so far, it’s attracted blue, coal & great tits as well as the occasional robin. Dunnocks and wood pigeons are always on standby to clear up any spillage.
This past week house sparrows have found my feeder. A few male, a few female and some youngsters it seems (~6 in total and always in a group). I was surprised to see that these were classified in the UK as Red under the Birds of Conservation Concern 5: the Red List for Birds (2021).
I put out some coconut shell suets last year that attracted some Starlings and the House Sparrows’ behaviour is very similar. To their disappointment, Starlings are too big to use my tube bird feeder, but House Sparrows are small and light enough to use it. They travel in packs, they’re aggressive around the feeder, eat constantly throughout the day and hence have emptied the feeder within a few days.
Compared to what I see from my usual visitors, this is the total opposite behaviour! It seems their presence has also deterred my usual visitors which is a shame.
I will continue topping up my feeder of course, but I was wondering is this seasonal behaviour or is this group likely to stay for the long term now? I imagine they’re nesting in a nearby park. I’ve never seen them before until this week and have also reported the sighting using the BTO app.
From my research it seems the House Sparrows are sometimes considered pests along with Starlings. I’m not opposed to feeding them but was just curious whether this was common and likely to be the start of a new pattern.
I should also add that I've noticed they often take seeds away in their beaks, presumably for chicks in a nearby nest.
All in all since they spend a large amount of time at the feeder as well as in my garden it’s allowed me to bird watch a lot more than I was able to before.
I look forward to reading your thoughts!
Yes I may need to do something like that which is a shame cause I had none of these concerns before the sparrows!
I've observed them today and they've not been happy with the sunflower seeds switch. They're eating a few but most of the feed has been thrown on the ground, so the other birds can't even enjoy it except the pigeons who like to mop up.
When they get a chance which is seldom; Greenfinches eat them at the feeder with their impressive beaks and the tits usually take them to the nearby tree to break and eat. But the feeder has been totally emptied on the ground now with hardly anything being actually eaten properly.
My nickname of "mini starlings" couldn't be more accurate of their behaviour!
I have multiple visits to my window feeder and bird bath from house sparrows, privacy film on the window makes sure they can see me watching them. They're very messy but I have have also noticed them carrying away seeds into the hedgerow next to my house. I think they're here for as long as they're happy to be. Well stocked up on birdseed
Hi WendyBartter . I've finally got around to moving my bird feeder and it's a lot more tidier now with spilled seed/droppings. However, it's not taken long for the house sparrows to come back! About 8 of them regularly throughout the day.
Fortunately the tits get a chance in the early morning but otherwise it's the "mini starlings" that are back to emptying the feeder every few days.
As summer comes to an end I'm curious if they will migrate or if they're here to stay.
I was surprised to see that in the USA they actually control the house sparrow population because of its predatory nature.
I've got a bird box up that will hopefully be used and would hate to see the house sparrows causing issues there as well!
Currently I'm stuck in a vicious cycle with them! I miss the regulars.
Once there are ‘too many’ sparrows, it is too late.
PMoney24 said:As summer comes to an end I'm curious if they will migrate or if they're here to stay.
House Sparrows do not migrate so you'll see them at your feeders all year round! But to only have eight is a bit of a bonus for you, mine came in a flock of 30 to 40 daily! USA blame us for introducing this bird species over there ...
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Thanks for the information Wendy, that's good to know!
I'm waiting for a bigger bird feeder to come back in stock so I can reduce my refill times. If they are here to stay all year round I may as well keep them fed!
Tweaking the bird food doesn't help because if they don't like it, rather than leave it alone they empty it all on the floor so nobody else can enjoy it either (except pigeons)!
What would I give for more sparrows in my garden! They seem to be so scarce in UK! They were probably one of the most common birds, where I grew up and here I see one or two, here and there... I've had couple in my garden I think nesting in neighbours large bush, since seen some youngsters later, but that's about it.
They're on the red list that's why I've continued to feed them! Although since the summer ended they don't come in groups of 10 anymore, just a few here and there.
I'm hoping autumn/winter brings more bird species to my garden as well as some activity in my new bird box! Blue tits are helping me with aphid control on my roses too which is great.
Hi Wendy,
You were right and the House Sparrows are back in full numbers now! But this time, I've prepared for their large appetites!
I invested in a large 4 litre bird feeder by Roamwild and buy Peckish bird food in 20kg bags now rather than smaller bags. It's going well so far albeit there was a gap in feeding during October which I read is down to the abundance of food available.
I'm also thinking of introducing suet cakes (chopped into small pieces with the bird seed). I'd get a dedicated suet feeder but I'm running out of space and if the pieces are small enough I think it should work well with my existing set up.
I'm looking forward to turbo charging my bird feeding this winter!
It sounds like you’re creating a vibrant habitat in your garden! House Sparrows can definitely be more aggressive at feeders, and their flocking behavior is fascinating to observe. They might stick around if they find a reliable food source, especially if they’re nesting nearby. It’s great to hear you're enjoying the birdwatching experience! Keep an eye out; they might bring some exciting dynamics to your garden.