Common or Garden?

The RSPB's most recent surveys have apparently suggested that, in the last decade, more than half the 63 species of rare birds have shown increases in the UK as 40% of more common species have declined (http://www.rspb.org.uk/news/details.asp?id=tcm:9-233523). There may well be a number of complicating reasons for these figures (over and above simple changes in numbers). Rare birds may do better than their proletarian counterparts as they are a) more likely to be 'sighted'; b) subject to better protections; c) subject to higher 'spends' and d) often limited to particular areas of the country (so management of their environments is likely to be easier). The common species appear to be victims of changes in agricultural practises and the increasing urbanisation of the land. They certainly don't get the same kind of attention as their 'up-market' colleagues!