White Crowned Sparrows
On a recent mid-afternoon, I was sitting in the backyard reading, absorbing the quiet and admiring the white roses. Then two visitors appeared: two fat grey sparrows. They headed straight for the little water fountain which my housekeeper had filled that morning. I was holding my breath trying to become invisible but they paid me no attention whatsoever. One plunged in the water and the other perched on a high branch and pip-pip-pipped softly as if to reassure his companion that all was well. Then bird #1 started splashing merrily, spreading his wings, dipping his beak to drink, then thrashing some more. This went on for a while until they reversed roles. Bird #1 went to take up his position as sentry while bird #2 went through the same ritual in the basin. I felt as if I was watching an episode from Nature in real time. Quite a magic moment.
Baby Sparrows
Lovely, Simone. When we just take the time to observe, much can be revealed to us!
I also enjoy watching the birds as they drink and play in the small pond I’ve made off my deck. Sometimes, especially in early Spring, I’ll see a bird that I don’t recognize and have to consult my bird book to determine what it is. I really love the hummingbirds! I could watch them for hours.
I always get the same 2 sparrows
I’ve had hours of enjoyment watching the birds from my deck. Sometimes it’s a group of Cardinals that feed on the seeds that have dropped to the ground or maybe a flock of Goldfinch gathering on the feeders and singing their songs. I also have a hummingbird feeder that attracts 2 or 3 of the amazing birds! They are so quick and never cease to amaze and delight me.
Since I had a little solar panel installed the fountain makes a big splash when
the sun hits the panel and I saw a hummingbird taking a shower.