Green Guardian
Declining starling is alive and well in Sutton
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| Starlings are still common but are decreasing in numbers |
The starling is Sutton's most common bird, a new survey has revealed.
The results from this year's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) Big Garden Birdwatch puts the feathered creature in top place.
The bird protection group said there was an average of three starlings in every garden in the borough.
In second place was the woodpigeon, with 2.72 spotted in every garden, followed by the house sparrow in third place with 2.66.
Despite limited change to the top 10 species, London's Big Garden Birdwatch 2008 recorded a continued decline in the most common birds.
"What these figures tell us is that Sutton has a remarkable range of garden birds with more than 30 different species found," RSPB London spokesman Tim Webb said.
"But we are concerned at the continuing fall in the number of starlings and house sparrows.
"These are our most common birds but they're vanishing, mostly as a result of a lack of food and shelter."
| “What these figures tell us is that Sutton has a remarkable range of garden birds with more than 30 different species found." | | RSPB London spokesman Tim Webb |
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He said the answer lied in managing gardens for wildlife, and with some 17.34 per cent of Sutton's land area made up of private gardens residents can lend a hand by providing both food and shelter for wildlife.
"Having birds flit past your windows and insects buzzing round your flowerbeds is what it's all about," he said.
"Waking up to the dawn chorus raises the spirits and I find watching wildlife incredibly relaxing after the stress of working and travelling in London.
"Gardening for wildlife is rewarding when you see the results of your labours, it's also a good physical workout and you can grow your own food."
More than 20,000 Londoners took part in this years RSPB's survey across 14,000 gardens in January.
Comparing this year's results with those from previous surveys gives a snapshot of how birds are faring in Sutton and the rest of the capital.
12:39pm Friday 28th March 2008
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