How Do Birds Know That There Is Bird Seed Beneath Straw That Covers Grass Seed

Question From: K. Haines - Taylor, Michigan, United States
Q: I'm curious..When I plant grass seed and cover it with straw how do the sparrows know there is grass seed underneath it?It stumps me.

A: They recognize the dried stems as a source of seed that's located on the soil surface below. Weed seed, grass seed, it's all the same to them. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy