When I put a make-shift platform feeder on my back porch railing, the Chipping Sparrows were the first birds to start using it, enabling me to get these nice close-up shots which are great for being able to see the bird’s coloration.

Bob’s Backyard Birds
25

The most common sparrow around my yard is the Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina). I mostly see

them in groups, like the photo below of 25 March 2008. They are pretty little birds that feed as

often on the ground as at the feeder. In fact, if I want to thrill the Chipping Sparrows no end, I

stop mowing the meadow and let it grow tall and go to seed – they love the seeds of the wild grasses.

The two birds at the feeder below show the difference between the ages: the younger bird is on the left with a more dappled crown; the adult breeding bird on the right has a nice solid rufous crown.

© Bob Vuxinic

29 Feb 2012

© Bob Vuxinic

1 Mar 2012

© Bob Vuxinic

9 Mar 2012

© Bob Vuxinic

5 Mar 2012