I like that, Hal ..... "Hey didn't they just come out here with the
railroads, like most of us?" A very rational and compassionate attitude. I
often think it is us humans who are taking over space and habitat with our
over population to the detriment of all others rather than the House
Sparrows and Starlings. I have had House Sparrows building nests in my
eaves for years. It does not seem to have hampered the many many other
species who also come to my yard .... House Finches, Goldfinches, Pine
Siskins, Juncos, Bustits, Ruby Crowed Kinglets, Bewick Wrens, Annas
Hummingbirds, American Robins, Chickadees, Northern Flickers, Steller Jays
and on and on. Good for you, Kelly.

Margaret Parkinson
University District
----- Original Message -----
From: "Hal Opperman" <hal at catharus.net>
To: "tweeters" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2002 7:42 PM
Subject: RE: From buntings to juncos to sparrows


> What species are these House Sparrows displacing, i.e., would be
> nesting under Kelly's eaves and finding waste seeds or french fries
> to eat if House Sparrows hadn't moved into the neighborhood? If they
> are claim jumpers then there's maybe reason to be indignant, but
> where's the evidence? Hey, didn't they just come out here with the
> railroads, like most of us?
>
> Hal Opperman
> Medina, Washington
> hal at catharus.net