Sparrow nesting

During the winter month the house sparrows have been regular visitors to me bird feeder. The last few days this has changed and the sparrows have now shifted into courtship mode.

While the occasional sparrow still pays a visit to the bird feeder, most of their attention has switched to collecting nesting materials. Instead of the front garden where the feeder is situated the sparrows now make more visits to the back garden.

Visits from both males and females, often as a pair. Materials collected mainly appear to be plant material and one female sparrow found a feather.

If you live in or near Brighton you might be interested in the Brighton and Hove's House Sparrows Project 

Once a very common sight in our towns and cities, the number of house sparrows has declined by 75% over the last 25 years. The project aims to ensure a sustainable population of house sparrows across Brighton Hove and raising awareness about their needs in order for them to thrive.






Visit the website to find out more about sparrows in Brighton and Hove, help with a survey, take part in a photographic competition or more

garden wildife update

Lots of activity in our garden now as flowers have responded to spring warmth. Winter visiting birds have been replaced by the more urgent need for nesting, great tis, blue tits, robin and house sparrows.




Bee activity has increased. The hairy footed bees, male and female are busy visiting the comfrey and flowering current. Several queen buff tailed and red tailed bumble bees in the garden - one buff tailed queen appears to be nesting in a hole by the shed.




Red mason bees visible today and the larger comma and tortoiseshell butterflies have been joined by speckled wood and a blue butterfly - that did not settle.

Tadpole development

Then tadpoles continue to develop. Due to the large number of frogs and spawn laid this year, they have developed at different rates. Some are quite large with roundish bodies where other tadpoles are only half the sized with relatively long, thin bodies.


Video clip taken with action cam.