aves / birds

Every year since 1995, Ukrainian ornithologists declare a bird species that lives in the country a “Bird of the Year” in order to raise public awareness of the problems and status of this particular species. 2010, Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) was chosen for this campaign.

Tree sparrows are still very common in Ukraine but like in many other parts of Europe their population is gradually decreasing also there. The causes aren't completely clear. Ornithologists and ecologists are argueing that it may be a change of agricultural practices together with clearance of old trees that the birds were using as nesting sites.

Being a common bird, the tree sparrow is often overlooked by photographers — very wrongly... I am fascinated by simple and elegant beauty of this bird.