Although I do not really hunt anymore, I am always on the look out for "pests" that may invade my property. Yesterday I was doing some shooting in my backyard from my porch. You know, some water filled balloons, chalk sticks, and shoot-n-see targets. Had the chance to shoot some Gamo Tomohawk pellets and they seem to be quite accurate.
Anyway, I feed the birds in my front yard. Some of them visit my backyard even when I'm shooting. I noticed some of them seemed curious and seemed to watch the ballons being wacked. It was pretty funny. They stayed above the balloons and actually watched the water spew out! One species of bird whom never visits the backyard is the House Sparrow. I have a large group who always come to the feeders, but never the backyard. They are very wary and must know that I am back there.
As I was shooting I heard the tell tale chirp of a lone male House Sparrow in a field adjacent to my property. I waited and about 2 minutes later he appeard about 40 ft away chirping away in some brush. With a predater pellet already loaded I swung my Gamo Shadow 1000 at the bird and had a head shot scoped in an instant. Crack, and down went the bird. Dead instantly. To my surprise I heard a second male and in less than 30 seconds he appeared almost in the same spot. He was met with the same quick fate as his brother. They seemed to be juveniles who were playing away from the rest of the group. If this gets back to the group it may be a long time before I see any House Sparrows in my backyard again! As First Blood for my Shadow, it proved itself a worthy pest controller. Now if only those Starlings would visit my backyard!!!!!
P.S. My CF-X is schedualed for delivery tomorro. I won't be able to sleep tonight.
Greg
