Moment with Various Avian Chirps and Tweets in the Garden - "Green Pine's Garden Companions: Tending to the Field Sparrow"
Declining House Sparrow and Greenfinch Populations Raise Concerns in Bavarian Gardens
Participants in the latest "Hour of Garden Birds" initiative organized by the nature conservation association LBV reported an eight-year low in bird counts, with an average of 26 birds per garden. The findings have sparked concerns about the declining populations of the house sparrow and greenfinch in Bavaria's urban and rural areas.
"Despite favorable weather for bird-watching, we saw fewer birds this year compared to a decade ago," noted LBV bird expert, Angelika Nelson. "This is the lowest count since the action's inception, indicating a continued decline in many bird species on meadows, fields, and now, in our cities and villages."
The study highlighted a lack of suitable breeding habitats, nesting sites, and insects, crucial for raising young ones among songbirds. House sparrows, in particular, are struggling due to the scarcity of wild herb seeds on which they rely for food. The increased use of pesticides in agriculture also negatively impacts this species, according to Nelson.
Greenfinches might have been affected by a disease, contributing to their scarcity during the survey. The blackbird, however, continues to be the most commonly sighted bird in Bavaria, with over 90% of participants spotting at least one in their gardens.
LBV encourages the creation of bird-friendly gardens, emphasizing the importance of native wildflowers, berry bushes, dense hedges, and dead wood as sources of food, shelter, and breeding sites. "Gardens can serve as vital green oases that complement large-scale protected areas," said Nelson.
The "Hour of Garden Birds" is an annual participation action initiated by LBV and Nabu, inviting people to count birds in parks and gardens from May 9 to 11. This year, around 11,700 people participated in Bavaria alone.
- The community and employment policies should consider including initiatives that promote the creation of bird-friendly gardens, as gardens can serve as vital green oases for several bird species, such as the house sparrow and greenfinch, that are currently declining in Bavaria.
- In line with the focus on sustainable living and environmental-science, homeowners can contribute to the preservation of local wildlife by attracting and supporting bird populations through the targeted planting of native wildflowers, berry bushes, and providing suitable nesting sites in their home-and-garden spaces, thereby enhancing the garden's overall biodiversity.
- As part of a comprehensive and forward-thinking employment policy, measures to reduce the use of pesticides in agriculture and support organic farming practices should be implemented to preserve the food sources of songbirds, such as the house sparrow, that are adversely affected by exposure to chemical pesticides.
