2 replies to this topic

[lakeside44]

Just a question that had me wondering:

Is there something about the side of highways that seems especially appealing territory for robins
to forage in big groups? Maybe is it the lower grass and greater visibility of the dirt?

Joe

[dklucius]

here they use sand often in winter on the black ice on the highways. when they plow the snow and ice off the sand ends up on the shoulders and bar ditches. in spring i often see birds eating the sand which helps grinding up the seeds and grain in their craws or gizzards.also i have a gravel driveway into my yard and at first i was wondering what the birds could find to eat till i say where they were scratchig in the fine gravel and sand.

[spookyjimjams]

Also, think of how many dead insects are on the sides of roads. While many bugs get splattered, many others are deflected into the grass.

And, in some rural areas, the edge of the road is mowed down for visibility or fire related issues, and that lets the birds get into the hidden spots that tall grass can hide.