Thank you for your comments! In addition to grit, one reply suggested
weed seeds trapped in the gravel.
My original inquiry may have sounded really ignorant and many may be
thinking “what the heck, it’s obviously such and such…” :) I have
knowledge of basic bird biology but I am by no means an expert in their
behavior and detailed biology/physiology. I have learned a lot from the
many posts I have read here and I appreciate this. I’m just a birder that
has become quite a bit rusty in the past few years.
Anyhow, I guess I need to rephrase my inquiry to “Are they after grit?
Water? Salts? Or is there something less obvious going on here?” My 1st
guess has always been grit. What I meant to ask (and the answers may not
change) is that because I see them so frequently and they appear to be
spending a lot of time doing this, I wondered whether there was something
else going on or is it just a grit thing (and weed seeds). Then again, if
they are primarily eating seeds in the winter, then perhaps this explains
what at least anecdotally seems to be a lot of grit consumption.
Anyhow, once again, thank you very much for your comments! It’s a good day
for birding!
Paul Wetzel
Portage, OH
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Wetzel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, February 16, 2007 9:19 PM
Subject: [Ohio-birds] Birds on Roadside Berm Inquiry
Hello!
I live in the Bowling Green area and travel around in several counties in
NW Ohio daily. One thing I've noticed in the winter is that I often see
numerous Horned Larks, Snow Buntings and Sparrows (I couldn't ID at 55 mph
nor stop) on the roadside berms and they appear to be pecking/foraging(?)
at something and I'm not sure what this would be. It is always along the
roadside that I see them and this is a very common occurrence and I see
hundreds just on my way to work each day. I have probably seen and
flushed 1,000's in the past several years of travels. Are they after
water? Road salt? Hmmm... Yes, there is often spilled grains along
roads, this is farm country, but not at this time of year. Just curious
as to what they are after. I haven't been able to stop and watch them and
they always flee at first sight of an oncoming vehicle. Sorry if this has
already come up, but if anyone has knowledge of this or a link to
information, I'd be much appreciative of your input.
Thanks a bunch and happy birding! The sun is brighter, higher on the
horizon and spring is just around the corner.
Paul Wetzel
Portage, OH
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