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 |