Birds curiosity

seven_eleven

I know there have been threads about this here in the past but I thought I'd start a new one anyway instead of digging up an older one.

Ive noticed over the past few years how curious small birds can get. They seem to love investigating things and people. In my neighborhood there's a long green area that I cut monthly, when I do I notice how usually 1 or 2 wagtails hop around after me or observe from the roadside when Im doing this. They will stick around for a good hour or more. Im not sure if they're the same birds but they appear every time I do it.

Another thing I have noticed is sparrows standing on my windowsill and looking into the window. I assume they're doing this as its their reflection they see. But I have on a number of occasions had birds clearly observing me inside. Particularly during winter.
The bird usually responsible for this is a thrush. They even let me approach within a few ft while still observing.

Finally, The local House Martins love to swoop real close to my window in circles if I stand near it when open. Its a skylight so I presume they are checking me out or whats inside the big hole in the roof? :pac:
Ive have also seen many birds flying like bullets within meer inches of the ground in the hurling pitch and at open green area's, swooping down and turning sharply etc. Would this be their way of playing?

Maybe I'm just a bit mad and observing their actions completely wrong, but small birds seem pretty intelligent and curious. The larger birds like crows dont really display the same behaviour, or either just dont care enough.

Birdnuts

Small birds are typically more confiding as they don't see humans as much of a threat as larger birds do. Plus the fact that many garden birds make a good living off us also makes they appear tamer and more curious about our daily comings and goings

Victor

seven_eleven wrote: »

In my neighborhood there's a long green area that I cut monthly, when I do I notice how usually 1 or 2 wagtails hop around after me or observe from the roadside when Im doing this. They will stick around for a good hour or more. Im not sure if they're the same birds but they appear every time I do it.

Looking for what food becomes available with the shorter grass.

seven_eleven

Victor wrote: »

Looking for what food becomes available with the shorter grass.

That came to mind alright, but I didnt think there would really be much more available to them. Opportunistic.

And here I was thinking we had something going with each other :pac:

V Bull

seven_eleven wrote: »

Ive have also seen many birds flying like bullets within meer inches of the ground in the hurling pitch and at open green area's, swooping down and turning sharply etc. Would this be their way of playing?

I agree with Bird Nuts & Victor.

Also Swallows and Martins, along with others, feed quite low to the ground when condictions are just right, twisting & turning, snapping flies off blades of grass with pin-point accuracy.....

Alun

Victor wrote: »

Looking for what food becomes available with the shorter grass.

seven_eleven wrote: »

That came to mind alright, but I didnt think there would really be much more available to them. Opportunistic.

I think it's not only due to the shorter grass but the vibration of the mower will draw worms, and maybe other beasties, up from the depths. 'Worm charmers' (yes they do exist, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worm_charming !) use vibration from various sources to do this.