Tree sparrows have been confirmed breeding on Lewis for the second year in a row
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The birds, which are closely related to the more familiar house sparrow, are using nest boxes in Port of Ness placed after RSPB conservation officer, Martin Scott, spotted them feeding their young in a garden there last year.
Local birdwatcher Tony Marr said: “We were not sure whether 2011 would prove to be a fluke, so it is great news to be able to confirm that a pair of tree sparrows has taken up possession of one of the new nest boxes and the adult birds are being seen regularly at the box.
“They are a very secretive species and difficult to observe, but we hope to see this pair feeding young very soon. We are planning to put some more nest boxes in place and to keep feeding the birds.
“I’m pleased to report that the RSPB is contributing boxes and seed to help things along. Up to four other tree sparrows have been seen together in the vicinity in recent weeks, although not proved to be breeding, and we hope we can attract them too.”
Tree sparrows breed after 25 years 19/6/12