Sprog
The common names of House Sparrows are disappearing into antiquity. The familiarity of one of our constant companions since houses and agriculture were developed is fast disappearing and they are recognised by fewer and fewer people.
They are beautiful birds, with subtle plumage and fascinating ways.
I hope that Orcadians will continue to see them, recognise them, love them, and call them Sprogs for many years to come.
More House Sparrows
Sparrow I love seeing Sparrows. They were my gateway drug into wildlife conservation. They were almost the only bird which visited… read more
Spug I was surprised to find that House Sparrows have other, local, common names. Then I was shocked that so many… read more
Outbuilding Sparrows There's a male House Sparrow chirping insistently on a bare patch of ground. He's fluffed up his belly and is… read more
Cafe culture I'm at Portland in Dorset with my friend Mark when he offers to buy us ice creams. I'm hardly likely… read more
Home Sparrows House sparrows have accompanied human domestication. They've followed our agricultural practices. They've lived in our homes and they've eaten our… read more
The Third Ladybird Book of British Birds – #9 The House Sparrow I’m currently reading the third volume of the Ladybird Book of British Birds and their nests from the 1950s. Times… read more
Domesticus The chirping of flocks of House Sparrows is a joyous thing. They're noisy, gregarious creatures and full of the joys… read more
House Sparrows House Sparrows are exotic. Just look at this male: They're now so unusual that people often ask what they are,… read more
Return to Challacombe Farm I’ve been to Challacombe Farm before. It's teeming with animals for food and fun read more