Saturday, November 04, 2017

Coastal BC Bird: Song Sparrow

 Song Sparrow Antics

Several years ago I purchased a Bushnell Trophy Cam. You can read about it here. I've been very happy with it. Rather than getting a critter cam to hunt wild game, I use it to discover who's hanging around the deck of our float cabin home.
Usually I set it up during woodrat (packrat) season. When I suspect one is in the vicinity, I use the camera to make sure before asking Wayne to set up our Havahart live trap. While I don't like disturbing wildlife, I need to protect my garden plants. Trapping and relocating critters is a compromise.

This week when I found dirt on the cabin deck around one of my empty pots, I decided to use my camera to determine what was going on.


I discovered the Song Sparrow that arrived this week was the culprit. He was looking for seeds in the soil, and flicking dirt out onto the deck in the process.

It's hard to get mad at this little guy. With all of our summer birds gone, it's nice to have one around to keep us company. Do you have any winter birds to brighten your days? -- Margy

14 comments:

  1. Hello, I would not want the woodrat hanging around, it is nice you can relocate the critter. The sparrow is a sweetie, I am looking forward to the winter birds arriving. I would be thrilled to see swans nearby. You are lucky. Thanks for your comment and visit. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Sunday, enjoy your day!

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    1. I like the change in birds with the seasons. - Margy

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  2. Song sparrows are one of my favourites so it is nice to see one. We don't have them around in the winter here in Toronto!

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    1. I don't see more than one. Maybe because it's winter they don't flock in groups. - Margy

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  3. Cute! ... and the Bushnell is a great idea.

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    1. At night it is only infrared and black and white, but day colour shots come out a lot better. It has a video feature but I only use the still shots. - Margy

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  4. Oh so that's what those birds are? I saw many of them in our trees this afternoon.

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    1. I only have a single guy visiting. - Margy

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  5. Loved the little video. We have a squirrel who has hidden things in my planters and has already come to claim them. Lots of Juncos and Chickadees - and on Anna's female hummingbird who hangs around all winter. Have a grand critter week ahead my friend.

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    1. My Juncos have left, maybe they came down to visit you for the winter. - Margy

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  6. I enjoyed watching the sparrow forage in your garden.

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    1. I just wish he didn't make such a big mess. I've had to sweep up after him several times, but it's hard to get mad at him. - Margy

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  7. Don't you love seeing who is there in the night? Well, I guess you don't. Sigh. We had raccoons again!

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    1. I actually do, at least I know what I'm contending with. The most recent is either a mink, weasel or pine marten. Wish I could get a day shot to make a better identification. - Margy

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We welcome your comments and questions. - Wayne and Margy