The Changing Nature of Garden Birds

The RSPB Birdwatch has produced more evidence of dramatic declines in 'garden birds' (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/mar/28/rsbp-garden-birdwatch-survey?INTCMP=SRCH) including a 63% fall in House sparrow (Passer domesticus) numbers and an 82% crash in Starling (Sternus vulgaris) populations. Concomittantly, there have been increases in the numbers of Herring gulls (Larus argentatus), Fieldfares (Turdus pilaris) and Jays (Garrulus glandarius) visiting our gardens. The current cold spell (due to last until the end of April) looks set to produce major changes in bird species seen around our houses.