birds of calke Overall population decline in British birds has been primarily attributed to changes in land usage from seminatural to intensive agricultural use, resulting in loss of habitat including hedgerows, and the use of pesticides. Ecological research has confirmed the links between agricultural change (in particular pesticide use) and declines in some bird species. Bird species at Calke Abbey noted and photographed for this study consisted primarily of passerine species, corvids, and some larger birds including birds of prey.
Winners on feeders Three finch species have shown no comparable declines in population when studied against other British bird species, namely the Greenfinch (Chloris chloris), Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) and Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis). These are relatively abundant at Calke and can also be spotted on the supplementary feeders in the bird hides on the estate. It is suggested that these birds have generally benefited from pheasant feed sites throughout Britain
RIGHT: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) photographed at the Calke bird hide
which are maintained overwinter, with changes in land use to game shooting as a profitable business for landowners. It is likely that these species benefit from garden supplementary bird feeders such as the ones at Calke and surrounding gardens, with provision of seeds and nuts throughout the year, particularly in the winter months. Grey squirrels are an ever-present feature at many urban and suburban bird feeding stations in Britain. While photographing birds for this study at the main bird hide at Calke, it was noted that greys would regularly dominate the bird feeding areas. Bird feeding behaviour appeared to be negatively impacted by the presence of squirrels near to or on the feeders. However, research suggests no evidence is found of grey squirrels having a negative impact on supplementary feeding and assemblage of avian species at feeding stations, which is some consolation for those concerned about the presence of greys at Calke’s bird hides.
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