The handsome male of the species

[Lez325]

Not quite a Goldfinch or Blue Tit- however: I still think the House Sparrow is a handsome bird f4 - 1/400th sec - ISO 400 300mm f4 Pro lens

[Ian]

Nice shot - are they fairly common where you are, Les?

I read reports that their numbers have plummeted. This was certainly the case where we were living in Hemel Hempstead. We have loads here in France - there were at least half a dozen nests around the eaves of our house here.

And is there a way to tell a house sparrow from a hedge sparrow?

Ian

[Olybirder]

Hedge Sparrow is another name for the Dunnock. Tree Sparrows are slightly smaller than House Sparrows and have a brown cap to the head and black spots on their white cheeks. They are much rarer than House Sparrows these days.

[Ian]

@olybirdrer Ah yes - of course, the Dunnock is a bird I'm familiar with and we have them here, too. So I am on the lookout for a Tree Sparrow.

[MikeOxon]

Hedge sparrow is a completely different genus with a slender beak and grey colour. Also a good songster. Tree sparrow is similar ro House but has black cheeks an both sexes are similar .

[Ian]

Hedge sparrow is a completely different genus with a slender beak and grey colour. Also a good songster. Tree sparrow is similar ro House but has black cheeks an both sexes are similar .

Thanks Mike - I will try to grab a shot or two of the ones we have. Seeing as they love to nest on the house I'm fairly sure they are house sparrows.

Ian

[Lez325]

Nice shot - are they fairly common where you are, Les?

I read reports that their numbers have plummeted. This was certainly the case where we were living in Hemel Hempstead. We have loads here in France - there were at least half a dozen nests around the eaves of our house here.

And is there a way to tell a house sparrow from a hedge sparrow?

Ian

Thank you Ian as someone above commented the Tree Sparrows are slightly different - the handsome chap here is a male House Sparrow- this shot was taken on my Paddock and they do nest in my eaves too

This is the location of my home- plenty of House sparrows around here