Willow being attacked by sparrows!

We have just replanted a willow in our front garden that was in a pot in our back garden for a number of years, within a couple of hours the sparrows from the hedge nearby have started violently stripping the leaves from the willow. Do you know why they are doing this and how we can stop it before the willow is completely bare? Your help/advice is appreciated. Many thanks, Paula

 

Possibly using the leaves for nest building. Our sparrows have been very busy constructing nests.

 

You could try putting a net over it until they have finished nesting. Unfortunately they have up to four clutches of chicks a year, so it will be late summer before you can unveil it.

 

Many thanks - unfortunately I dont think the stolen leaves are for nest building as they are dropping them!

 

I agree with WOO, they are more likely to be after insects rather than leaves.