The humble Tree Sparrow

Having waited so long to get any half decent shots of Tree Sparrows, I thought I would share some more with you. These were all from my time in Glazebury last weekend. This little chaps population has declined so much in recent years that it is on the RSPB red list. Sometimes referred to as Mutton Chops because of the black marking on the cheeks. Smaller than a House Sparrow and somewhat more nervous. It seems that the slightest movement of anything sends these birds to the nearest hedge or tree. To be fair to them, having witnessed Sparrowhawks going into the bushes for a kill, it's no surprise.
They may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I like them and the fact that they make it difficult for you to watch them close up only adds to the attraction for me.

Look at those chops