Since the middle of 2012 the decline in the Sparrow and Thrush birds in parts of Ireland is estimated to be down by as much as 90%. The Sparrow and Thrush were the most popular birds in Ireland, alas in some parts of the country this is no longer true with birds such as the Magpie being more familiar. Let me state that I'm not a member of Bird Watch Ireland, if I was I would have reported the issue to them as they have no mention of it on their website. In fact they state that the population of the Sparrow is stable as and from 2013, see article here http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/IrelandsBirds/Sparrowsfinchesbuntings/HouseSparrow/tabid/447/Default.aspx Some people have reported to me that in parts of Fingal / North County Dublin the little Sparrow and Thrush are almost extinct altogether.

There have been several reasons put forward as to why these birds have disappeared from our gardens and hedge-rows . The first and most likely reason is that there are now more Magpie's in Ireland, Magpie's as you know are scavengers and will eat almost anything including the eggs of other birds.

Another reason is attributed to the Seagull who is now coming further inland in search of food as fish stocks have dwindled along the coast, again the Seagull will eat other birds eggs.

The third reason and this fact relates specifically to North Dublin and parts of Meath and Louth is the fact that the local authority in charge of North Dublin, Fingal County Council released up to 20 Falcons into the wild in mid 2012 in a breeding programme. These Falcons will feed on small birds such as the Sparrow and Thrush.

Whatever the reason nobody in authority seems to have noticed and nothing is been done.

If the reason is the Magpie then surely it's time to cull this bird in Ireland.

With the decline in the native birds in Ireland comes another problem, insects and especially wasps. As we know birds eat insects. With less birds we soon have more wasps to deal with. 2013 has seen a surge in the amount of wasps in Ireland. August and September are traditionally the month you'll see wasps in Ireland. An estimate for this year [2013] puts the figure ten fold for the increase in the wasp population. These nasty little creatures are basically good for nothing except for stinging people as the humble bee is well capably of doing what the wasp does, and that's to pollinate flowers and plants.