Nothing on the surface of the bricks, but limestone (calcium carbonate) is
the chief ingredient of mortar. There is also sand.
Thanks to all who suggested answers!
On Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:31:41 PM UTC-6 Courtney R wrote:
> Are there possibly calcium deposits in or
> on the bricks? I jus
Are there possibly calcium deposits in oron the bricks? I just read a relevant question in Sibley’s bird trivia game today regarding why birds eat paint chips off of buildings, and wonder if the same thing is happening here and that they are doing it to obtain calcium. See below:Thank you,Courtney
I think Paula and Dave are right, but primarily the birds are consuming
grit, tiny bits of sand to help digest seeds and the chitinous shells of
insects. I've often seen hummingbirds go to ground, sometimes standing on
the surface of the sidewalk or gravel driveway to collect sand with their
tong
I've observed similar behavior with the yard house finches. They gather by
the brick garden wall (stacked, no morter) from time to time, and peck away
at the bricks. I've assumed that they were after insects of some sort.
On Wed, Jul 5, 2023, 8:39 AM wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> I’ve been witnessing
Hello all,
I’ve been witnessing a similar behavior with the Broad-tailed Hummingbirds at
my house.One will hover near the cement mortar around the brick exterior
and then fly in and peck at that mortar, for several times. I’ve witnessed
this on more than one occasion. I also have watche
David et al,
Paula might be right. Other possibilities are small ants, spider hatchlings,
clover mites, other tiny arthropods. Let us know if you figure it out.
Dave Leatherman
Fort Collins (currently in Lamar)
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jul 4, 2023, at 9:35 AM, Paula Hansley wrote:
>
>
> W
What about getting little pieces of grit from the mortar or brick for their
gizzards??? !!!
Paula Hansley
Louisville
On Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 9:04 AM dgulb...@gmail.com
wrote:
> Why would a Goldfinch cling to a brick wall for a minute and a half?
> At 7 AM when I walked into my garden I was treat
