Date: 12/8/25 3:10 pm From: Dean Newhouse <dean.newhouse...> Subject: Fox Sparrows Allegheny County
With the snowfall that arrived five days ago, I've had Fox Sparrows coming to feed on seed fallen to the ground underneath the feeders. One day there were two side by side. This has been a highly unusual treat. I don't normally have Fox Sparrows here around the feeders.
However, today at around 2:00 pm, a Sharpie swooped in, flushing all the birds that were feeding, and it followed the flushed Fox Sparrow into the shrubs in the woods behind the house. The Sharpie was right behind the Fox Sparrow as they followed the same path through the branches and such and then disappeared into the woods. It's amazing to me how they both navigated through all the obstacles and how they found a clear flight path where there appeared to be none. Don't know the outcome of the chase, but I did not see the Fox Sparrow afterwards when all the other birds returned. Hopefully the sparrow outfoxed the hawk! Maybe it'll be back tomorrow.
Dean Newhouse South Fayette Township, Allegheny County
