[tn-bird] Chipping Sparrows sound snake alert/other yard birds

Hi all,

  The report I got when I arrived from work this afternoon was that there was a 
great ruckus in the yard today.  All yard birds were perched amongst two trees 
and all were quite upset.  None more upset that a Chipping Sparrow sounding off 
and jumping within a foot of a 5-foot long black snake moving across the 
driveway.  From the description it sounds like a Black Racer.  Once the snake 
was removed all birds calmed down and went about their way.  We have a pair of 
chippers nesting over the driveway, quite high in an oak.   
  The robins that are nesting in the oak next to the chipper's tree were quite 
upset about the invasion of Common Grackles (not seen in the yard before).  I 
counted 15 of them feeding on sunflower seeds spilled on the ground.  The male 
and female would both try to chase away the grackles.  When squirrels climb 
this tree to get at the feeder the robins chase the squirrels back into the 
woods!  
  Field Sparrows discovered Martha's Super Suet hanging from a tree a couple of 
winters ago and have brought their young feed on it.  I watched as a parent 
bird broke some off and fed it to one of their young that was standing on top 
of the suet basket.  Waiting a couple trees away were more young that were also 
fed this treat.  
  A pair of Great Crested Flycatchers have taken residence in a nest box in the 
yard.  The box hole has had some damage-chewing to enlarge the entrance, 
probably by squirrels.  Apparently enough for the flycatchers.  Neither 
starlings or English Sparrows are a problem here.    
  A Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpecker have taken to chasing each other 
through the woods here.  The Red-headed is an absolute beauty.  It has also 
discovered Martha's Super Suet and enjoys bathing close to dusk.  

Step outside and enjoy some great yard birds!

Anna Varney
Summertown, TN

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