Fauna

[devreux]

Like many people, I made a point of getting out -- and even outside -- last weekend when it was so sunny and warm. I admit, I often find this time of year disappointing -- even on those rare sunny, warm days that tempt you to go outside, the landscape is still just mud and brown grass and bare stick-trees and bird diversity is at a very low ebb.

Comments

[mg4h]

We've had song sparrows showing up to our feeder, I finally figured out what they were (thank you book). I think I've seen them before, but not for very long, so I'm keeping an eye out for them if I see them again. Only the few days a week ago, not since, but we'll see.

Meanwhile I'm a hub of activity for everyone else in the area, so many birds, so much hunger.

[cayeux]

Song sparrows are pretty common around here, but easily confused with house sparrows (an invasive and aggressive species) and sometimes confused with chipping sparrows, Carolina wrens, or female house finches depending on light & range. It's great to be able to tell the difference!

[mg4h]

Not sure if we've had the chipping sparrows, have definitely seen the house sparrows a few times - they're infrequent visitors though, maybe four a day? Total? In comparison I get about 12 cardinals throughout a day, probably some repeat visitors but they're consistent, also 10 chickadees. Lots of house finches too

[devreux]

Chipping sparrows are only here in the warm part of the year, so you haven't seen any yet. ^_^

Song sparrows are year-round residents, but in our yard they seem to generally prefer foraging on the ground and in the brush. They come up to our feeder when it's really cold or snow-covered but during mild spells they're infrequent on the feeder itself.

I love living in the city but the bird diversity here amongst the close-packed houses is low. Tons of bird variety down in Schenley Park, but only a few species up in the neighborhood. I'm a little jealous of your yard's draw!