A question out of curiosity - how can you all be sure the this chipping sparrow 
is still dependent? I've seen young birds continue to beg even after they are 
capable of feeding themselves adequately. Of course, their parents won't oblige 
forever, but maybe this youngster is in the process of being "weaned". In that 
case it could have left the nest a couple of weeks ago, right?

June


--
June Tveekrem
Columbia, MD


Dave Webb wrote:


> >  During my lunch break yesterday at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford
> >  County, I was quite surprised to find outside of my building a dependent
> >  fledgling Chipping Sparrow begging and being fed by one of its parents.