On 28/6/08 18:33, in article
, "Phillip"
wrote:


"Sacha" wrote in message
...
We were all having tea in the largest greenhouse when we noticed that a
tray
of 24 x 9cm pots, filled with compost, had been invaded by half a dozen
sparrows, each of which had chosen a pot to itself. They had the most
thorough and wonderfully enjoyable dustbath that went on for a good 15
minutes. Compost was flying everywhere, clouds of dust were rising
upwards,
feathers and wings and tails were given a good coating and ten seconds
before Ray walked in with his camera, they all flew off! But what a
really
enjoyable thing to see - pure enchantment!



Birding-Aus posters have had a bit to say about sparrows recently.
http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/birding-aus/

Lack of urban dust bathing opportunities has been offered as one cause of
their population declines.



Full shower, bathing facilities and - apparently - en suite bathrooms are to
be found here. They also enjoy the granite trough which has a tiny water
jet in it.
--
Sacha
http://www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
(new website online but not completed - shop to come and some mild tweaking
to do!)