Tree Sparrow   Cockersands Nest box scheme

            36 nest boxes were erected in the Cockersands area on 28 February 2000 in an attempt to increase the breeding population and extend the breeding range of Tree Sparrows in the south of our recording area. Blue Tits or Great Tits inspected some boxes within minutes of being put up though Great Tits subsequently used none. It was hoped that some of the boxes would be used by Tree Sparrows but we have been surprised at how successful the scheme has been in the first months.

            All the boxes were monitored in April and May, Nest Record cards were filled in for any nests found and the nestlings were ringed if possible. Of the 36 boxes, 18 have already been used this year, nine by Tree Sparrows and nine by Blue Tits. The tables below show the results so far this year:

Tree Sparrow

Box Number

A4

A7

A8

C2

D2

D4

D6

D9

D10

Total

Eggs laid

5

5

6

5

6

4

6

5

5

47

Young hatched

5

4

6

4

6

4

5

5

2

41

Dead Eggs

-

1

-

1

-

-

1

-

3

6

Dead Young

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

0

In addition, one existing garden nest box contained a clutch of 5; none hatched

Blue Tit

Box Number

A9

B2

C4

D1

D11

D12

D15

E1

F1

Total

Eggs laid

10

11

11

9

10

12

11

9

11

94

Young hatched

5

11

10

4

7

12

10

9

10

78

Dead Eggs

5

-

1

4

3

-

1

-

1

15

Dead Young

-

-

-

1

-

-

-

-

-

1

            It should be noted that these figures are only provisional; whilst Blue Tit rarely lay a second clutch of eggs, Tree Sparrows often lay two clutches and can occasionally lay a third clutch. We will therefore continue to monitor the boxes during the rest of the summer.

            The scheme has provided proof that Tree Sparrows nest in three tetrads (SD 45 G, H and M) where they were not found breeding during survey work for the LDBWS Atlas of Breeding Birds. The next step forward is to consider whether to try to encourage further expansion of the Tree Sparrow breeding range. This would require more boxes and the identification of suitable sites for the boxes. Please give suggestions or offers of help to Jean or myself.

            Thanks go to all those who donated nest boxes (you will receive a copy of the Nest Record card for your box later this year), to the landowners for allowing us to put up the boxes and visit them and to Jean Roberts, Bob Danson, Bill Cross, Dave Sharpe and Pete Marsh for help in putting up the boxes and monitoring them.

Paul Cammack 9 June 2000

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