Sparrows

If you've ever wondered about the sparrow population, which has declined markedly in the UK over recent years, we're not the only ex-pats in Cyprus. There is a large community in our garden, many currently nesting in the tiles of the verandah roof. Unfortunately the odd fledgling falls out of its nest. We tried to keep one alive but it succumbed last night. At least it had a peaceful, dignified death in an empty ice cream container. Another older one blundered into the pool. I fished it out but it didn't make it.

According to the RSBP the UK house sparrow population peaked during the 1970s at 12 million but declined dramatically during the '90s with a 62% reduction over 25 years.

The worst thing about the sparrows is the mess, particulary around the pool area and on the fence. And the incessant twittering depending on your opinion. For me, I'm reliving the sound of my childhood.

All this talk of small birds unfortunately reminds me of the story I heard reported on The Today Programme about a week after Sean was offered the job here - that Cypriots are catching and eating as a delicacy British songbirds such as the robin. See here for the full gruesome story.