As I was enjoying my coffee earlier this morning, I watched another half-hour battle as our resident blue bird family of 5 defended their house against a swarm of ugly rats-with-wings (house sparrows).  Pretty typical stuff for our backyard, although I had some really great views since some of it happened right on the railing of our deck.  (The blue bird house is only about 20 feet from our deck, and they nest there every year.)

But I was surprised to hear the fuss start up again about 30 minutes ago.  I went to the window expecting to see Daddy Blue poke his head out of the house at the 3 house sparrows clustered around it.  So imagine my surprise to see a black and white striped head pop out instead!!  One of our male Downys apparently decided the house looked nice and toasty, and he wasn't backing down.  They eventually irked him enough that he came out after them, and took all 3 on.  I saw quite a few feathers falling to the ground, and none were his.  He continued to defend it off and on for at least 15 minutes as I watched.  Of course, I was so taken with the whole situation that the camera never crossed my mind.  :~(   Maybe they'll give me another chance!

Now if I can just pull that Downy aside and teach him not to fight the "Blue Coats"...  LOL

Any birding is good birding!
Kate Mick
Smithville, OH




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