Understanding the Decline of Common Bird Species: Causes and Solutions
Since 1980 the UK and Europe have seen large scale population declines in around 600 million breeding birds, according to a new study by scientists from the RSPB, BirdLife International and the Czech Society for Ornithology.
"Large scale population declines" makes for a worrying headline. It would seem that a high percentage of these declines have seen decreases in common and abundant species such as house sparrow, yellow wagtail, starling, skylark, willow warbler, serin, linnet and tree sparrow. Declining wildlife species isn't, of course, new news. However, we hope this study triggers an audible alarm around Whitehall. It should be a wake-up call for government ministers to prevent further biodiversity loss in Britain and avoid the "Silent Spring" American biologist Rachel Carson wrote about in 1962. According to the study, society needs to tackle the climate crisis and the nature crisis by farming with nature in mind, protecting more species and using sustainable forestry and fisheries.
Haith's say it's not just the farming community that needs to operate in a more friendly to nature way, and that's why we've been handing back commercial space to nature for several years - inviting nature to share our space. We see no reason why other businesses cannot commit to improving the biodiversity of their commercial space and - while they're at it - take a long hard look at their sustainability pledges too. That said, we're not pointing fingers; we (Haith's) have to make it our priority to keep putting nature first.
NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) are doing their best to help some of the most vulnerable birds that are already endangered, but this help often doesn’t seem to apply to the population of so-called plentiful species. We need to act now before they, too, make the endangered list.
What can we do?
There are lots we can do - whether your garden is big or small we can help nature if we work together.
From hanging out a bird feeder with the all-time favourite Sunflower Hearts to a half coconut filled with seed rich suet these will help your local garden birds along to a healthy spring.
Peanuts are one of the most beneficial and easiest ways to feed birds. They are highly attractive to wild birds due to their high oil and calorie content. Our Premium Peanuts are chosen for their quality, colour, and variety – we do know how to pick the perfect peanut!
Unfortunately, the House Sparrow seems to have the largest population decline. Garden bird feeding is highly important for this species, and although they will take household scraps, both Haith’s Original Wild Bird Food and Premium Wild Bird Food will provide a nutritious and healthy diet.
Nature certainly does seem to be sounding the alarm that it needs us and that’s where we can help. Call our friendly team today and we can help you choose that perfect hand-crafted bird seed mix for your garden birds, and together let’s help all birds stay off the endangered list.
Written by Angela
