Hi all --

When Fred Fallon reported his Tree Sparrow, he said that it was in 
Broomsedge (or more accurately, broomsedge bluestem) and called it an 
introduced grass.

It isn't -- it's scientific name is Andropogon virginicus and its is native
in 
most of the eastern states. It IS a weedy grass and tends to do well in 
poorer soils, where it can outcompete other species by producing a 
chemical which supresses gremination of other grasses. It is not 
particularly good forage for cattle. However it is a good food source for 
seed-eating birds and is (as Fred notes) especially popular with Tree 
Sparrows. I also always looked for a nice stand of broomsedge among 
well-spaced youngish pines when searching for Bachman's Sparrows in 
Southside Virginia 15-20 years ago. They also seem to like it.

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

Original Message:
-----------------
From: Frederick Fallon 
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:53:27 -0800
To: 
Subject: [MDOSPREY] Tree Sparrow in Calvert
 <snip> 
Answer - d), in Broom Sedge, of course - the same venue that has given 
us Field 
Sparrow and Nashville Warbler, and, at BARC, the Western Shore's first 
LeConte's 
Sparrow. This grass can't be praised highly enough as habitat, introduced 
tho' 
it is.

Fred and Jane Fallon
Huntingtown


      

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