Concord, Mass.
1907
April 3
(No 4)
  Fox Sparrows and Juncos fed all day
long on the hemp & millet seed that we had
thrown out for them in front of the cabin.
Their numbers varied from time to time for they kept
coming and going. Our highest count gave
15 Fox Sparrows and 10 Juncos. I have no
doubt that thrice as many visited the seed
bed in the course of the day. It was a
pretty sight, that of so many attractively colored
birds feeding quietly almost directly under our
window. The big rusty-rufous Fox Sparrows
were the more impressive of the two species, the
slaty-blue Juncos the prettier and daintier. Despite the
abundance of visible seeds the Fox Sparrows were
continually scratching after their usual fashion that
is by jumping alternately forward and backward
among the dry leaves. This motion was so vigorous
and effective that the leaves were often thrown
up into the air to a height of six or eight inches.
The juncos scratched in the same way
but much less often and also less vigorously
than the Fox Sparrows. The hopped about more
restlessly and incessantly, however, as well as more
easily and gracefully, carrying their heads low and
their bodies flattened to the ground. Where the seed
had been scattered profusely both species would
remain in one spot for minutes at a time doing
nothing but eat. When alarmed by the sight or
sound of an approaching man or dog the Fox Sparrows
would stand erect & motionless for a moment before
taking flight. The Juncos, under similar conditions, kept
equally immobile but in more crouching attitudes.