Several days ago I went to a little spot near my house and sat underneath a Douglas Fir. It was a random choice, but in a few minutes I noticed a tiny nest on a low branch. As I watched, mom and dad Chipping Sparrow were taking turns feeding three very tiny newborns. I’ve been going there everyday for the past four days, sitting under the tree for about an hour, watching those good parents bring in food.
Mom feeding babies first days
Those babies are always hungry and their parents seem haggard. I’ve gone at random times of the day, and the parents spend their whole time catching food and bringing it in.
Close up of hungry baby, almost hairless
Newborn sparrow
How much they they’ve grown in such a short time! On the first day they were ugly little half-bald things, and now they look like almost grown chipping sparrows (without the typical coloration yet).
Chick
Four days later, how much he's grown
Besides these sparrows, I’ve been watching a robin sitting everyday on her nest in the corners of my home and a bluebird mom in one of my boxes. It makes me think: human mothers that are neglectful or unfit should be made to spend a few seasons watching, everyday for hours in the spring, these birds and how they care for their young. They are good and tireless parents and perfect models.
Filed under: Chipping Sparrow | Tagged: Chipping Sparrow, Sparrow babies | 4 Comments »
Leslie Patten Books: Wild Places, Sacred Spaces 