I've been trying to attract more birds within camera range by scattering birdseed in my front ...

May 11, 2020

I've been trying to attract more birds within camera range by scattering birdseed in my front yard (and also by hanging a suet feeder that the birds refuse to acknowledge in any way). One visitor that I've been seeing constantly is the chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina).

Chipping sparrows are common passerine (perching) birds with an enormous range that includes most of North America. These birds can vary quite a bit throughout their range, and there are at least two subspecies that can be found out west. They often forage on the ground for seeds, insects, and spiders. If you'd like to attract some to your feeder, black oil sunflower seeds are a good bet!

I must also share a wonderful description of the chipping sparrow I found at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website (www.allaboutbirds.org), which is an excellent resource for any birder. On their page about chipping sparrows, they include a 1929 quote from naturalist Edward Forbush who wrote that the chipping sparrow is "the little brown-capped pensioner of the dooryard and lawn, that comes about farmhouse doors to glean crumbs shaken from the tablecloth by thrifty housewives." Those early naturalists really knew how to paint a picture, didn't they? #BenInNature

NEW! If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture and we'll have our experts help you identify it!

About this post: Social distancing can be difficult, but the next few weeks present a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

This post brought to you by VMNH Supporters Janet and Richard Ashby.