House Sparrows and more

Birds are getting quite hard to photograph elsewhere other than from the garden hide. I put this down to breeding activity, now that pairs are well established breeding and the inevitable secrecy is the order of the day. It is frustrating though to hear Whitethroats singing loudly and Blackcaps but not be able to see them. I noticed a lot of activity on my garden feeder today so I positioned my hide close and waited to see what all the commotion was about. The first thing I saw was the young Goldfinches and a young Greenfinch which I was pleased to see. Then the perches next to the feeder were full of very newly fledged sparrows begging to be fed by their mum who was enjoying the Sunflower hearts and feeding them to her young.

I have no idea where these baby sparrows have come from but there must be a nest close by. Its good to see that we have had so many young birds bred in the garden this year. Goldfinch, Greenfinch, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Collared Dove and Great Tit have all brought their young to my feeders which is really encouraging news. I am particularly pleased that they have managed to escape the local cats! Dad looks pretty magnificent as well.