"I suppose I am a sparrow, a
stay-at-home bird." Gladys Taber (1899-1980)
How true - most of us around the globe are all 'sparrows'
right now!
House sparrow: Passer domesticus
Introduced from Europe to Central Park, New York in the mid-1800's and now
found throughout North America.
They build domed cup nests within a cavity - and this particular female above
picked my birdhouse which was a huge surprise!
While walking in the garden yesterday, luckily with camera in hand, this bird seemed
bothered as I approached the birdhouse and perched on the nearby split rail fence.
I noticed the insect in its beak and knew it was a mother bringing food to its young.
After a minute it flew up to one of the entrances on the birdhouse and stayed long
enough for me to get these shots.
Female House sparrow with an orange Asian Lady Beetle lunch for her hatchlings - wonder
how many are in there!
She would have laid 4-6 white eggs with brown markings.
Both parents feed the young for 14-17 days prior to fledging. Then they'll be
on their own searching for insects, fruit and coming to the bird feeders.
She soon popped into the nest site - I couldn't believe how lucky I was to catch her
and to be able to share these photos of another busy garden bird.
If you are my age, or older, I know you may be familiar with the late American
author of 59 books, Gladys Taber whom I quoted above. I recall her writings,
especially her columns in the Ladies' Home Journal and Family Circle magazines.
I loved those publications in the 1960's when I was a new wife and homemaker here
in the USA. There was so much to learn about becoming a 'domestic goddess'
in a new to me country. . . . . . .Ms. Taber's writings certainly helped out a lot!
Several of you requested the Pistachio Muffins recipe - I'll put that up soon.
They are so easy and truly yummy!
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