| Tree Sparrow records increase during 2003 |
| 2002-2003 saw a sudden and continued increase in Tree Sparrow sightings. These increases have involved both the actual number of dates on which Tree Sparrows were recorded and (perhaps more importantly) their numbers. |
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This upsurge in records
also coincides with an increase in the amount of
set-aside used by farms within the recording area. Although the actual acreage of set-aside as fields has not really changed since 1998, the recent increase in Tree Sparrow numbers is thought most likely attributable to the substantial increase in set-aside strips, now in use over a large part of the area. Set-aside strips have been introduced as part of the UK Government's Countryside Stewardship Scheme - a scheme which pays farmers to leave strips of land uncultivated around field-edges. Many such strips are planted with a carefully selected seed mixture. The mix is largely dependant on soil structure, type and conditions, but all mixtures are aimed at providing a variety of seed to attract and sustain many of our traditional farmland birds throughout the Winter months. |
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| It's not just
Tree Sparrows which have benefitted, as species such as
Yellowhammer have also increased during the past two
years. Mixed finch/bunting flocks are now occurring more
regularly during the colder months of the year. Tree Sparrow counts in the area 1998-2003 It's also obvious that highest counts are largely, only being produced by post-breeding flocks during August and September. At this time of the year, "pure" flocks of Tree Sparrows occur. Later in the Autumn and throughout the Winter months, birds tend to associate with a variety of other species (most often Chaffinch and Yellowhammer) Tree Sparrow flocks are also more mobile than most and certainly, birds commute around the area to feed on a daily basis. This is reflected by the fact that Tree Sparrow flocks rarely remain at any one site for too long a period |
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| Eakring Flash is one of the most regular sites to see Tree Sparrows with a pair successfully breeding there in 1998. With pairs now also breeding regularly around both Tug Bridge and Eakring Field Farms, these are other sites which regularly produce Autumn sightings. It is certainly true that the number of breeding birds is still dangerously low here (2/3 pairs) but birds have recently begun to find new nesting sites. Natural nesting sites here are still plentiful and most of those currently in use by breeding birds are being occupied on an annual basis. One such site at Tug Bridge Farm has been occupied since a pair set up territory in 2000. | ||||||||||||||
| All nests found have been
situated in roadside trees where a good proportion of the
tree is dead or decaying. Many mature trees in the area
suffer from such natural decay. This may be due to a
range of reasons, but most likely could be the general
wetness of the clay-based soil during the Winter. In early 2003, Carl Cornish of the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust erected several nest boxes in suitable Tree Sparrow habitat within the area, to help encourage the species. These boxes remained unused during the breeding season, but have proved to be extremely successful in increasing populations at other sites in Nottinghamshire. Wintering Tree Sparrow flocks Late 2002 saw good numbers in with a large mixed finch/bunting flock that frequented a set-aside field along the Kneesall road. The most pleasing aspect, was that numbers were again attracted into the area the following year. |
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| Summary Though Tree Sparrow numbers here remain low when viewed alongside other counts produced elsewhere in Nottinghamshire, the sudden improvement in records during 2002 and continuing through 2003, does lend an air of cautious optimism for future. Not until breeding counts have risen substantially, will be safe to say that the Tree Sparrow's future as a breeding bird is more secure than it has been for many years. |
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