On Tuesday we saw a Song Sparrow feeding sunflower seeds from our feeder to 
TWO Brown-headed Cowbirds.  The Song Sparrow really had to work hard.  We 
noticed one of the Cowbirds was larger than the other -- perhaps 
outcompeting its sibling for food.  No sign of Song Sparrow chicks.

Jim Nelson
Bethesda, Montgomery County
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Lev" <>
To: <>
Sent: Thursday, June 07, 2007 7:57 AM
Subject: [MDOSPREY] song sparrow + cowbird


On Tuesday evening, I saw a strange "family" drama on my back patio.  A Song 
Sparrow was feeding niger seeds from my feeder to a large, very round, 
grayish songbird with almost no tail-- a newly fledged Brown-headed Cowbird. 
No young Song Sparrows were in evidence.  This was interesting but sad.  I 
enjoy having Song Sparrows in my yard, but I would prefer to see them 
nurturing young birds of their own species!

               Peter Lev
               Baltimore Bird Club