When my sparrows sprang a surprise

HAVING kept birds for nearly 60 years, I did not expect to be still surprised by anything my birds might do. However, this breeding season has left me completely bemused.

Back in the autumn of 2021, I managed to source a trio of tree sparrows. I recalled seeing these for sale in a well-known Belgian bird shop some years ago, but as the trader was unable to give me any guarantees regarding the sexing of the birds, I reluctantly decided not to take a risk.

Now, however,