The other side of the pond

This is not exactly a story about invasive species, but England's Eastern Daily Press has this article about a study showing the link between the decrease in starling (Sturnus vulgaris) and house sparrow (Passer domesticus) populations and the popularity of gardening and home-improvement television shows. Apparently a lot of people have decided it's a good idea to cover their roof eaves with plastic and cover their garden beds with gravel, and this has translated into fewer nesting places and insects for birds to feed on. It's strange hearing about those particular species, considered pests in much of the U.S., as being red-listed (endangered) in their native habitat.

Thanks to the Conserv@tion website for posting the link to this story.