Even the 'Common Species' Are Leaving?

The House sparrow (Passer domesticus) is in first place, as the most frequently-spotted bird in UK gardens. A Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) public survey has put this species there, for the 20th consecutive year (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/14/sparrows-big-garden-birdwatch-decline-rspb-survey). This may sound a healthy situation for the House sparrow. The RSPB, however, also estimate the UK currently has 22 million fewer House sparrows than in 1966. In deed, some folk rarely see a species in their garden, other than the House sparrow! Populations of many other UK bird species are much more precarious. Habitat loss seems to be the primary cause of declines. Woodland species are faring particularly badly in the UK. Birds, because they get everywhere and are often near the top of food chains, are specially effective indicators of environmental health. The declines of most birds, reflect the UK's current status, as the most environmentally-degraded country on the planet. Birds are popular species for the Brits. Enormous efforts are made (by the RSPB and others) to conserve and/or reintroduce particular bird species. The prognoses for our feathered friends, however, are not good. Major changes in agriculture and environmental management are needed, if anything is to improve.