Resourceful Sparrow

Birds are remarkably resourceful. Take, for example, this BirdCam-recorded image of a Chipping Sparrow submitted to the Wingscapes Photo Gallery by our friend David from Cary, North Carolina.

You might notice that the feeder on which it is perched is not the type normally frequented by sparrows. However, as David reports, the ant moat on this hummingbird feeder has proven a valuable resource for this local chippie. In addition to being a drinking water source, the sparrow might also be picking up an ant or two to crush and rub through its feathers to prevent mites – a process called “anting.”