Dotty the Tree Sparrow

Ryan J. Bradshaw

​

Said Dotty “You know I am really a ground bird

although I am called a Tree Sparrow.”

 

“The ones who named you,” said Peter, “are quite absurd.

Would you call yourself a Seed Sparrow?”

 

Replied Dotty “I live almost wholly on seeds.

I am not what I eat, however.

 

Peter, call me a Winter Sparrow, if you please.

I always feel good in cold weather.”

 

 

This poem is, in part, a found poem, with names and some dialogue borrowed from ‘The Burgess Bird Book for Children’ by Thornton W. Burgess, Chapter XL: Some Merry Seed-Eaters. ‘The Burgess Bird Book for Children’ is in the public domain.

The American Tree Sparrow, sometimes called the Winter Sparrow, actually favours the ground over trees. They are ground nesters and ground foragers, and largely breed north of the treeline. According to The Cornell Lab, the name originated with settlers from Europe who thought the bird bore a resemblance to the Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

 

According to Audubon’s Survival by Degrees study, the American Tree Sparrow is estimated to lose 52% of its current summer range in the not-too-distant future as average global temperatures rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Climate experts believe we will reach 1.5°C as soon as the early 2030s. If we allow global heating to progress at this rate, the American Tree Sparrow could lose 63% of its current summer range as soon as 2050 (2°C), and 86% as soon as 2080 (3°C). Projections suggest this species could gain 21%-23% in new areas, but displaced birds may face new challenges and have varying degrees of success in nesting and rearing young.

 

Want to help? Visit the United Nations website for a list of actions that you can take!

 

 

Photograph courtesy of Nick Saunders

 

This project is supported by SK Arts