In the not so distant past Tree
Sparrows were a common sight on lowland farmland throughout much
of the United Kingdom but their population has declined by a
staggering 87% in the last 25 years. Tree Sparrows are typically
found on farmland, breeding in holes in trees, dense bushes or
holes in farmland buildings but readily take to nestboxes. In the
winter Tree Sparrows form flocks and forage in situations such as
stubble fields and farmyards. In the wider countryside changes in
farming practices, particularly the switch from autumn to spring
sown grain crops and a reduction in winter stubble fields may
have been a major influence on the fortune of the species.
A recent review of the population status of birds in the United
Kingdom by national conservation bodies placed Tree Sparrow on
the Red List, being of high conservation concern, alongside
Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting and Corn Bunting.
Since November 2002 the Fylde Bird Club assisted by Green
Partnership Awards has funded and maintained
a feeding station between Staining and Singleton near
Todderstaffe Hall.
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Todderstaffe
Hall
From Singleton
village take the B5266 southeast towards Hardhorn for
just over one mile and pass underneath the railway
bridge. After a further c180 yards the B5266 turns
sharply to the right but here should turn left along a
narrow road towards Todderstaffe Hall. After c500 yards
there is an area of rough ground leading to the railway
and it is here where the feeding station is situated by
the hedge at grid reference SD368368. Since November we
have been putting seed out on a daily basis and have
attracted up to 60 birds at one time comprised of 13
species. The target species here is Tree Sparrow and
despite there being no records at this site for over two
years prior to supplementary feeding within two weeks of
starting a single Tree Sparrow appeared. From here
numbers gradually built to up to 24. For the summer of
2003 the Fylde Bird Club erected 13 nestboxes in a nearby
wood in which Tree Sparrows bred. Following the breeding
season in August 2003 at least 40 Tree Sparrows were
visiting the feeding station.
On 28th November 2004 Paul Ellis noted three
colour-ringed Tree Sparrows at the
Todderstaffe Hall feeding station. All three had been
ringed by Bob Danson as chicks in his nestboxes Over Wyre
during summer 2004. Please report all sightings of
colour-ringed Tree Sparrows to
Bob Danson.
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The Fylde Bird Club will
continue to fund this feeding station for the benefit of local
birds and birdwatchers alike through events such as the sponsored annual birdrace. If you would like to make a contribution towards
the running of the feeding stations please contact Paul Ellis,
Fylde Bird Club Secretary.
Over Wyre Feeding Stations
If visiting the feeding stations near Pilling please remain in your vehicle, park sensibly and do not obstruct or walk
down any farm tracks. Please make way for farm vehicles without delay.
The Fylde Bird Club contributes to the cost of seed for this project.
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