Upper Wardington: more tree sparrows in the garden

Great to be able to report a major increase in tree sparrows visiting the garden feeders in the past few days.  From just a single bird a week ago, we now have up to six at a time on two feeders.  I have filled the niger seed feeder with red millet and they have taken to it.  None of the other birds seem to like it so far!  They do still prefer the main feeder with sunflower hearts, but there is a lot of competition for those seeds, even from jackdaws (surprisingly agile).  I still think tree sparrow numbers are low locally compared to ten years ago when I could see large flocks in winter, but they are hanging on for now.

five of the tree sparrows, plus a house sparrow