Pigeons and Seagulls have never GAF but have you noticed smaller birds becoming more trusting of humans recently in the UK?

Posted by itsaride@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 6 comments

I've just been out to feed them and for the first time in my life since I've been feeding them (years), sparrows and slightly larger birds were perched on the fence next to me and two even came down a couple of feet away from me on the ground. I've also noticed smaller birds in the High Street dodging pedestrians very recently too.

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6 Comments

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Agitated-Tourist9845@reddit

Funny you should ask this. Have a couple of very bold house sparrows visiting my garden this spring. As in they'll sit on the front fence when I come through the gate less than a metre away without scattering like they usually do.

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AF_II@reddit

Having babies makes them bolder as they're desperate for food; generally they're more cautious in the early spring and autumn, and more friendly in baby-summer and no-food-winter

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itsaride@reddit (OP)

So I'm just noticing it this year? I have a camera pointed at the feeders and they've been there for five years + and I've never seen this before. Delighted and slightly concerned too.

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AF_II@reddit

I think it also depends on the birds as individuals too - I have one wood pigeon who will literally come and sit on my lap for a peanut while the others scatter if I go into the garden; likewise the robins vary in boldness year on year.

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itsaride@reddit (OP)

Yeah, lots of pigeons here too, they sit on the roof waiting for me to leave though.

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