Birding/broken sparrow leg

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 12/1/2008


Question
Hello. For 2 days, I've noticed a fox sparrow with what appears to be a broken leg on the ground of my porch under my feeder. I'm wondering what it's chance of survival is given the eastern PA winter ahead and it's living conditions (where does it overnight? perched?). It appears to eat well, fly well and can spend *some* time perched, but the balancing act is difficult. Is there anything I can do to help other than continue to provide a dry area with ample seed?

Answer
It is amazing how well one legged birds and three legged animals can cope and survive. Feed and a dry area will be a big help and really all you need to do. If you have Bluebird houses or any interest in them send your mailing address to walshaw1@cox.net and I will send you my free 20 page Bluebird book. Bluebird Bob.

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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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