Sparrow WESTERN BIRDS 



and-white crown the first season, the head being adorned 

 instead with gray and brown stripes. 



These Sparrows are gregarious during migrations and 

 in their winter homes, going about in large bands and 

 often confusing the novice who thinks there are two 

 species of birds. 



Usually by the 26th of September the first Gambel 

 Sparrow appears in southern California. Sometimes the 

 coming is a day earlier; sometimes it is several days 

 later. However, soon after this time they are abundant, 

 flocking into our gardens, feeding from our bird tables, 

 and bathing in our bird pools. One of the delights of 

 the early morning is their clear whistling song that peals 

 forth loud and measured in the beginning, ending more 

 rapidly. All winter long and until late in April these 

 birds are constantly about when they go farther up the 

 State, or beyond, to nest. 



The ordinary note is a soft sit that has some ventrilo- 

 quistic power that makes it hard to locate. These 

 White-crown swarm on my bird table, where they often 

 grab large crumbs of bread and fly to the ground with 

 them, a merry chase ensuing as some less fortunate 

 companion tries to rob the owner of the bread. In their 

 noisy teasing bouts they remind me of a flock of barn- 

 yard fowls. Then, too, more than once have I been pro- 

 voked with them because they drive away from the 

 table the Audubon Warbler, and other small birds that 

 also like suet, bread, and cake crumbs. 



Some complaints come that these birds nip off the 

 sprouting vegetables and flowers in the early spring and 

 that unless covered until well started the gardens are a 

 failure. Grain from the chicken yard is also greatly 

 relished, but who would begrudge these cheerful, care- 

 free bands a little food? Surely, the joy of having them 

 about in rain or sunshine repays any harm they may do. 

 Then, too, they do good by eating weed seeds and noxious 

 insects. 



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