When the White-throated Sparrows start flying in to my ridge it is like old home week. April 23 the first WtS flew in to the nesting territory above my property in the Superior National Forest. I could hear his territorial song echoing down the ridge as I walked to the spruce deadfalls where they nest. Each male WtS claims a tangled deadfall and starts his loud serenade to attract a mate.
I learned years ago to "whistle in" these birds, imitating their high pitched song. It has become one of my spring rituals, when they start flying in, and what fun. Once I walk through the relative open area of virgin white cedar, I come to the tangled mess of downed spruce. I have mentioned the high winds of a few years ago that has laid down hundred foot spruce trees like cordwood. A sad sight, but glorious habitat for nesting Winter Wrens, Ovenbirds and especially the White-throated Sparrow.
In the deadfalls, I start whistling their tune. Almost immediately, if they are in the area, they will answer me. I will continue until until one or more will come closer and closer. I have had many different experiences with these birds as I whistle. Some alight many yards from me on a dead branch and sing their hearts out. But some are not too enamored with my presence and fly right at my head... seemingly because they can't figure out where the song is coming from. Most, however, continue the competitive concert and answer me for some time. The ones that get close, I toss hulled sunflower seeds in appreciation of their efforts... and they love them.
"So where did it go?"
"Aha... thanks!"
One they figure out that I am an impostor, they continue to eat seeds... and when I come back each day to their territory, they meet me when I whistle and get their ration of hulled sunflower seeds. This continues all summer through the nesting season. When the chicks fledge, they will come with the two parents and perch out of sight. The parents then pick up the seeds I throw by my feet and bring them to the fledglings... later as the fledglings develop, they will come and also feed by my feet.
I have never had one land in my hand like my other "freeloading" chickadees, nuthatches, redpolls and siskins... but I suppose the "ground scratchers" would be a tad uncomfortable that close. But I suspect some year it will happen.
It is always a great start to the spring/summer to get my favorite sparrow back in the fold until their departure in October.
... as I told Lil, I am like you in the spring and hate to see them leave in the fall... thank you.
