From May 2022. A rare visitor to my yard. And in fact, to many places. Once, these birds, originally introduced from the UK (a European species) were ubiquitous. They spread rapidly and widely. I can still remember seeing flocks of about 80+ wintering in a cedar hedge at the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, where in spring they also nested in some of the many nest boxes. They also used the Garden's feeders. As well, these birds were widespread in most suburban/urban areas, as well as rural ones. Then, one day they were gone. Not quite that dramatically. It took me awhile to realize I hadn't seen many house sparrows at the Garden, only one or two. Then they stopped nesting there, stopped using the hedge in winter, and in short, just vanished from the FWG. There may be the occasional one now, but not that I have seen. In my garden they are seen only once or twice a year, and not every year. Dramatic as that sounds, their numbers have dwindled quickly. Christmas Bird Count data over the last 25 years shows a noticeable decline to the point where sometimes none are counted, where at one time hundreds would be found. They still exist in pockets around the city, and where they do, and are regularly seen, it may surprise folk to know that is not the case everywhere anymore. Reasons for their decline are many and include loss of accessible nest sites, and in rural areas, much less spilled grain. But truthfully, we can only speculate. It is interesting to note that in the UK they are now a Red Listed species. The British RSPB says that since 1970 30 million house sparrows have vanished. Who would ever think that a once ubiquitous bird would become rare in its country of origin. Here, they are an introduced species, but the same question arises, how can a once successful species become so scarce?