[MDOsprey] Sparrows and Friends Reach Tunis Mills
Leslie Roslund (Lroslund@bluecrab.org)
Tue, 12 Oct 1999 09:09:35 -0400
Bonnie and all -
At long last some of the sparrows have reached my yard at the headwaters
of Leeds Creek, Talbot County. This morning a lovely little flock of them
on my driveway and in the hedge beside it included:
White-throats 20 or more
White-crowned 1 - (becomes yard list species #143)
Song Sparrow 1 - first of the season
Field Sparrow 1 - first of the season
Junco 3 - first of the season
Also near by -
Ruby-crowned Kinglet 1
Golden-crowned Kinglets 7 (became yard list species #142)
Red-breasted Nuthatch 2
White-breasted Nuthatch 2
Towhee 1
Common Grackle (flock) over 1000
Mallards 3
Osprey 2 (our fledged youngster and her dad)
Goldfinch 8
Blue Jay numerous
Robin numerous in overhead flights
Canada Geese hundreds overhead
And the usual chickadees, flickers, carolina wrens, bluebirds, cardinals,
house finches, starlings, crows, and mockingbirds. An absolutely lovely
morning!
Separate subject:
Yesterday, my wife and I watched a 7-minute scene of a young Sharpie under
attack by bluejays. From 4 to 7 Blue Jays had decided to drive the Sharpie
away from our yard. It didn't happen. The battle began in a fairly large
River Birch tree beside the creek. The Jays would take turns diving at
Sharpie, and from time to time he would single out one for a return attack.
On and on it went. The fairly dense foliage of the River Birch seemed to
hold a slight advantage for the Jays. So the Sharpie moved to a now
leafless walnut beside the Birch. The Jays refrained from further assault
in the more open area - eventually lifted up and joined another passing
flock of Jays. After they were gone, the Sharpie, declaring victory, then
lifted up and flew on.
Les Roslund
Easton, MD