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Re: Fox Sparrow on my deck

From:

Jeff Shenot

Reply-To:

Jeff Shenot

Date:

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 10:30:03 -0500

Yesterday I posted about the increased feeding activity at our house during the storm.  We have had a fox sparrow feeding at our deck all winter; I assume the same one, but there are several around.  They usually feed (scratch for food) under our pine trees and feed on a little seed I place there on the ground.  The FOSP that comes to our deck is normally very shy, but yesterday when I went out in pm to refill the feeders on the deck, it was just hanging out.  As soon as I opened the door, most of the birds (but not all) temporarily left (as usual) and flew to either a nearby tree or to safe cover on the ground.  I stood still when I realized he was not going to flush, and wondered if it was ok.

After watching it a moment, it seemed normal (other than letting me be so close), so I walked slowly over to the feeders.  It hopped a few feet further away and then watched me, along with a junco and several goldfinches (they simply sat there about two feet away).  The FOSP did not flush, and I was within about 6 feet of it.  I've never tried to feed any wild birds from my hand, and I won't, but I think given the circumstances yesterday they would have ate from my hand if I tried.

Cheers!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD