Allen wrote:
>By the bye, in terms of the recent discussions about Starlings, there was a
>piece in the International Express (June 30), suggesting that Starlings
>have been recommended for the Red List of endangered species. Research
>apparently shows that this most common of British birds has been hit by a
>decline in the UK of more than 50 per cent over the past 25 years.
In recent years the once fairly commnon Tree Sparrow has suffered an 85%
population decline. On our last visit to Titchwell, in Norfolk, Fay and I
had local borders taking us to see a very "special" bird - the Tree Sparrow.
Indeed,when birding Brocton Wood (a remnant ancient oak woodland on Cannock
Chase) one of the locals spent quite some time bemaoning the loss of his
lovely Tree Sparrows.
In more recent times I've heard that some scientists and birders are
beginning to express concern over population declines in the more humble
House Sparrow!
Julian
...................
Julian Bielewicz
Past President
Queensland Ornithological Society
12 Florence Street
Kippa Ring, Q. 4021
Australia
Tel: +61 7 3283 4921
Fax: +61 7 3880 4272
email:
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