Tammie Rogers
Inspired by Dogs & Nature
Once a Year Visitors
Last year, during the Polar Vortex event, the frigid temperatures prompted us to put out plenty of seed, even the kinds we typically refrain from offering. To discourage House Sparrows, we usually only provide sunflower and safflower seeds because the House sparrows tend to prefer the smaller millet. But, due to the snow and cold, we tossed millet and cracked corn mix on the ground to help more birds. It encouraged a few species to show up that I rarely saw, including the Fox and American Tree Sparrows.
During last week’s cold and snow, once again we put out seed of all types, and I was happy to see a Fox Sparrow and an American Tree Sparrow taking advantage of the food. I had not seen either sparrow since last February. Apparently, these little guys can survive out in the hedge rows and grassy areas around the pond quite well, unless there’s a harsh weather event when they break their normal strategy to stay hidden in the wilds.
Here’s a handsome Fox Sparrow feeding atop what appears to be an “everything bagel” of seeds!
This is the American Tree Sparrow that spent time on the raised feeder filling his tank.
This next bird is a Song Sparrow that I filmed on the same day (2/6/22.) They are far more common here at our place. I hear and see them singing all summer long. In the beginning of my bird-watching exploits I struggled telling a Song sparrow from a Fox sparrow. But, now it’s quite obvious to me – albeit, if anyone told me they struggled telling the species apart, I would wholly understand.
Another bird that prefers to eat smaller seeds off the ground was also in attendance the day I shot these photos. The Dark-eyed Junco is a little sparrow that I only see here during the winter months. I find them charming, but not terribly easy to film with their all black heads. The sun was right for these shots.
Hi Tammy, Those sparrows and all the rest eat tiny seeds in the winter where they can find weeds with seeds attached. Even Snow Buntings and Lapland Longspers eat the tiny weed seeds sticking out of the snow or just there.