Since we moved here 4 years ago, we've always heard and seen sparrows in the gardens of a couple of houses further up the road, but never seen them here. Now they seem to have had a good breeding year, and our garden is suddenly graced with a flock of 8 or 9 'overflow' sparrows. I must confess to being very fond of these once-common little brown birds: their chirping reminds me of pavement cafes in warmer climes, and I like their constant busyness animating the garden.

Because they…