Yep, ground-nesting birds have many predators, including snakes. The snakes also have predators, including hawks. I can appreciate the balance, because I know that if the birds have low reproductive success, that reduces the number of snakes, and therefore the balance can restore itself.
That's also why I hate to see domestic cats hunting in grasslands and other natural areas. Domestic cats are not part of the natural balance. If the birds make few babies, the cat population does not diminish, because the cats are artificially supported by humans. As a result, cats suppress the native bird population in a way that natural predators do not.
What REALLY pisses me off is that there are feral colonies of cats at all! Or domestic house cats being let out. It’s TOTALLY irresponsible and along with leaving cats intact, just causes a population explosion of cats, who usually succumb to a horrific death from infection, injury or predator. I used to do TNR (trap/neuter/spay/release) with my local humane society. If Barbara could work 24/7/365 she’d barely make a dent in the feral population. As it was, she worked her lil ass off, going in to the nastiest portions of Boston to set traps & usually wait so trap’s didn’t get stolen or cats left in traps. I got started when I called for help with the cats in my yard at a new rental. She trapped 37 in my yard alone. I fostered for her until John shut me off…I kept most of them!! Haha.
Anyway, the whole cat issue pisses me off! Sooo maybe you could suggest spay/neuter if you speak about cats decimating the bird population…tag it on at the end. Maybe some dingbat who’s a bird lover has an unspayed cat he lets out & that bell will go off in his head? (Dingbat not cuz he’s a bird lover)
Thank you Linda. You undoubtedly have some of our native sparrows in your backyard. Like Field Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and soon there will be juncos!
I enjoyed the music lesson! And, thanks. You have helped me to identify properly the sparrows frequenting our little place at Prairie Lakes these past years!
So cool that you slowed down your recording and found the hidden melody. I shall link to this is my newsletter on sounds that I'm finishing up just now. Great minds eh?
What about snakes who also live on the prairie? Don’t the eat these lil guys? They just seem so vulnerable out there on the grass.
This is such a great question!
Yep, ground-nesting birds have many predators, including snakes. The snakes also have predators, including hawks. I can appreciate the balance, because I know that if the birds have low reproductive success, that reduces the number of snakes, and therefore the balance can restore itself.
That's also why I hate to see domestic cats hunting in grasslands and other natural areas. Domestic cats are not part of the natural balance. If the birds make few babies, the cat population does not diminish, because the cats are artificially supported by humans. As a result, cats suppress the native bird population in a way that natural predators do not.
Thank you for asking this question!
What REALLY pisses me off is that there are feral colonies of cats at all! Or domestic house cats being let out. It’s TOTALLY irresponsible and along with leaving cats intact, just causes a population explosion of cats, who usually succumb to a horrific death from infection, injury or predator. I used to do TNR (trap/neuter/spay/release) with my local humane society. If Barbara could work 24/7/365 she’d barely make a dent in the feral population. As it was, she worked her lil ass off, going in to the nastiest portions of Boston to set traps & usually wait so trap’s didn’t get stolen or cats left in traps. I got started when I called for help with the cats in my yard at a new rental. She trapped 37 in my yard alone. I fostered for her until John shut me off…I kept most of them!! Haha.
Anyway, the whole cat issue pisses me off! Sooo maybe you could suggest spay/neuter if you speak about cats decimating the bird population…tag it on at the end. Maybe some dingbat who’s a bird lover has an unspayed cat he lets out & that bell will go off in his head? (Dingbat not cuz he’s a bird lover)
Anyhow, thanks so much for your reply!!!
Don't get me going, Michelle. I'll be up all night.
Amazing, as they are normally so hard to find and see. You got some amazing pictures!
Thanks Diane! I'm glad to see you're also in the Henslow's Fan Club. And thanks for commenting!
That is so amazing that you slowed the teeny sound into a melody! Thank you.
Thanks Mim. I was pretty amazed when I heard it myself!
Oh my goodness Diane, such sweet, simple yet luscious writing! Just like the sparrow. This post gave me the chills.
We only seem to get sparrows at our feeders here in “town”. I’ll have more respect for them now!
Thank you Linda. You undoubtedly have some of our native sparrows in your backyard. Like Field Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and soon there will be juncos!
I enjoyed the music lesson! And, thanks. You have helped me to identify properly the sparrows frequenting our little place at Prairie Lakes these past years!
Where is Prairie Lakes?
It's a small Sthapatya Ved development outside the Fairfield city limits near the Walton Club.
Great! I know where you mean.
Beautifully written, Diane, especially the things you now hear from this "insignificant" sparrow's song.
I'm amazed at all the melody in their one little tseet!
Thank you again!
Thank you Gloria. Henslow's is my favorite sparrow, if I had a favorite sparrow, which I do.
Ah, Diane. You’ve moved my spirit and heart once again. Thank you.
That is a nice thing you said, Kathy. Thank you.
What a beautifully written article about Henslow's sparrow. Thank you so much for the superb photos and the audios of its song.
Oh, thank you Lora. You make me feel glad.
My heart is melted by his gentle...sweet...tweet.
If he asked me, I'd be his mate. 😉
That is an adorable comment, Susan. Thank you.
I know this field...I will listen more carefully when we ride through it on horseback next time!
More likely to hear it before the sun rises. Their songs are winding down now, but the birds will still be around a little longer.
So cool that you slowed down your recording and found the hidden melody. I shall link to this is my newsletter on sounds that I'm finishing up just now. Great minds eh?
Thank you Pru, for reading, subscribing, and commenting. I'm looking forward to reading your thoughts on sounds. When will your piece be out?
Hoping to post it tomorrow. I so enjoy your nature observations :^)