This is Bertin.

When a field sparrow builds a nest in early spring,

dense grass has offered the best cover, so that's where she builds.

But it's only the first of several nests she'll make.

Later in the season, as shrubs and trees grow their leaves,

field sparrows nest again and again, higher off the ground each time to protect their eggs

from mammals and snakes. This multiple nest strategy helps field sparrows make use of all the

warm months of the year for their breeding season.

Field sparrows build their cup-shaped nest in fields and in brushy areas, but they avoid human activity and they're sensitive to suburban sprawl. Conserving brushy habitats and agricultural

landscapes will help field sparrows keep building their nest higher and higher every summer.

Outside of town, listen for the field sparrows song, which sounds like a ping pong ball bouncing and then coming to rest.

And watch their trick to eat grass seeds, jumping on the end of a grass stalk, riding it to the ground, then chowing down on the seeds.

Good eating.

For bird note, I'm Joni's Franklin.

This episode is sponsored by Wendy Legg, in honor of her husband Gordon Legg,

who loves listening to and recording all bird songs.