Sparrow
I love seeing Sparrows. They were my gateway drug into wildlife conservation. They were almost the only bird which visited our back …
Spug
I was surprised to find that House Sparrows have other, local, common names. Then I was shocked that so many people I …
Outbuilding Sparrows
There’s a male House Sparrow chirping insistently on a bare patch of ground. He’s fluffed up his belly and is enjoying the …
Cafe culture
I’m at Portland in Dorset with my friend Mark when he offers to buy us ice creams. I’m hardly likely to refuse, …
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 spilled grain. …
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 have changed: …
Domesticus
The chirping of flocks of House Sparrows is a joyous thing. They’re noisy, gregarious creatures and full of the joys of spring. …
House Sparrows
House Sparrows are exotic. Just look at this male: They’re now so unusual that people often ask what they are, not knowing …
Return to Challacombe Farm
I’ve been to Challacombe Farm before. It’s teeming with animals for food and fun
2019 highlights of a wilder Orkney life
The turning of the year is always a great time for reflection. Celebrating the darkest day with the thought that longer days, …
House Sparrow
This House Sparrow on Westray is part of a sizeable flock. It’s just as much a pleasure to see one now as …
Respiratory choreography
Air pollution because of road traffic is something which affects us all. Some people suffer particularly badly. Air pollution kills 7 million …
Houseless Sparrows
Where have all the House Sparrows gone? In my lifetime their numbers have collapsed so there is just one House Sparrow now, …
I’ve flown 6,000 miles and all I can see are Sparrows, Starlings and Pigeons
I’ve travelled from the UK to Washington DC. It’s 6,000 miles. I’m hoping to see some exotic birds and photograph them. The …
House Sparrows
The car park of the out of town shopping centre is empty apart from my car. I haven’t bought anything and the …
When it’s summer and you still have the winter duvet on
I have a 13.5 Tog duvet on my bed. It’s June. Maybe I should change it. I think perhaps the same thoughts …