I have been watching a little sparrow female for a while now. She doesn`t fly well and usually just hops everywhere. I have no idea what her problem is,,she looks fine but can not seem to get any altitude. Two feet is about her max. Twice she has gotten into the dogs water and I had to get her out because the wings were wet and she could not jump to the sides. I was watching her one day and she walked away from the water and just disappeared. So here I go to see where she went. Lo and behold she had jumped into a hole made by something. Gopher or mole likely but it was roomy enough that she could use it like a cave. Safe from the dogs and people. I waited while she went underground for a while and then came back to the opening and sat looking up at me. Can you imagine a sparrow being smart enough to figure a hole for a safe place ? I have never seen that before. Have you ?
That is amazing! I'm going to bring this thread to Paige's attention. She's an avid bird watcher and has spent a lot of time researching bird behavior. She'd find this at least interesting, and may also have some insight.
Not only safe from dogs and other things ,,I imagine it is much cooler underground ! Our temps are running 95 degrees and above.
Wow that is amazing. The only thing she wouldn't be safe from is a snake. Mart I agree--thank heavens for AC or I would have melted a long time ago.
You know,, I have not seen a single snake this year. The hole is in the front yard and we keep the grass cut low. Not much cover for a snake so she is pretty safe. I still have to help her out of the dogs water ocassionally.
Any chance of photographs of her? She sounds like a really amazing little bird and good for her finding a way to adapt and live a full life.
I haven`t figured how to get close enough for a pic except when she gets in the dogs water. Even then when you put her on the ground she is gone ! Found out she has more hiding places than just the hole. We have a huge Easter Lilly and she goes under the leaves that drape to the ground. Also hides in the old poison ivy in the grape vine.
Great story Mart. That is one smart cookie. I hope that she will stay with you for several more years.
I have already seen a chipmunk chewing on a dead bird before we could dispose of it. Not sure if they would go after a bird in one of their holes or not? They have so many holes it might take a while for them to find the bird.
