Update on Chipping Sparrows

One week ago I indicated that some Chipping sparrows had built a nest in the garden, in a spot where you have no choice but to walk right by it.

The mother produced four eggs and has been sitting most of the day for a week or so, taking a five or ten minute break every now and then, in order to feed herself and stretch her wings. This last weekend, the eggs hatched and now the babies seem to be doing well. Covered with fluffy down, they seem to sleep most of the time.

Chipping Sparrow chick

Chipping Sparrow chicks

The funny thing is that they sleep with their beaks open, in order not to miss an opportunity to be fed. The mother must be able to bring them water in her beak, as we are going through a heat wave, and without water these chicks would dehydrate. In fact, the mother often seems to be sitting over the edge of the nest, rather than covering the babies which, I think, would be too hot for them.

The big white blobs are New Dawn Roses out of focus

Mother on the edge of the nest

One new development is that the male is now around. We only saw one bird during the nest building and incubation period. We concluded the male was not involved. However he now brings food. As one bird leaves the other one arrives, so we know both parents are now involved.