Step Up For Cockney Sparrows and Starlings

Lindsey
By Lindsey Last edited 156 months ago
Step Up For Cockney Sparrows and Starlings

Big up everyone who took part in the RSPB's Big Garden Birdwatch this year. Over 30,000 Londoners sent in sightings of the birds in their back yard or local park over the course of an hour at the end of January.

Unfortunately, what this year's results show is that London's 'cockney' sparrows and starlings have been declining over the past 5 years and no one's sure why.

RSPB's Tim Webb says:

Both these species can be found in vast numbers, but the long term decline is a great worry. Something is causing their numbers to tumble and despite extensive research, we’re not yet in a position to reverse that. However, our research has found that providing food and shelter helps, so residents can step-up for nature by managing their gardens for wildlife and putting up nestboxes.

There are practical steps you can take to protect bird populations. Sign up for the RSPB's Step Up For Nature campaign and you can also help put pressure on the government to keep their promises on the environment.

Like RSPB on Facebook. Visit the RSPB Greater London website.

Image by Stephanie Sadler via the Londonist Flickrpool

Last Updated 28 March 2011