As Spring is now well and truly established (indeed,it's almost over), with flowers blooming and the sun shining (at least for a couple of days), it’s time, we feel, to focus on that other wonderful area of the season; Nature’s little ones.
Not just a photo of a Spring lamb here though, oh no; we wanted something a little different. We’ve spoken about the plight of bees here on Pocketful, but there are other creatures out there that are struggling too, and one of them is birds.
Some of the figures are alarming. Since 1979 the House Sparrow has declined in numbers by 62%, the Starling by a staggering -84%, the Thrush by -81%, Chaffinch by -54%, the Blackbird and Robin by -45%. Thankfully, some numbers are stabilising and others increasing - the Great Tit, Magpie and Blue Tits have all improved their numbers. Which brings me to this week’s photo – a newly fledged Blue Tit.
This little one fluttered from his nest with his brothers and sisters in my neighbour’s garden, but unlike them, decided not to move any further. The very concerned parents were constantly bringing food to encourage flight, but to no avail. Finally after a day’s vigil by my (lovely) neighbour, who provided protection from the local cat population (they were almost queuing up to say hello!), this little one happily took to the skies.
It’s alarming that so much of our natural world is diminishing, but with just a little help from us humans (leave out feed, putting up nesting boxes, let the garden grow slightly wilder to provide habitat), bird numbers can once begin to increase. Just imagine a Spring without birdsong…
Not a happy thought now, is it?
For full article and further Photo of the week images, visit: http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/hot-topics/feed-me
Launched in March 2013, Pocketful of Rye is aimed at yummy mummies and dishy dads on the look out for news, features and reviews covering all things family - homewares, babycare, toys, entertainment, food, health and beauty. Think of us as the mum's guide to a happy home! http://www.pocketfulofrye.co.uk/
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