The Sparrows of the Field

 

Adult White-crowned Sparrow in the garden

Our weedy yards and lanes are a magnet for sparrows during fall migration, so much so that yesterday another birder requested a chance to come grab a couple for his county list.

Immature White-crowned enjoying some nice burdocks

Despite being a bit embarrassed by the shaggy state of pretty much everything around here, we obliged and so did the birds, showing nicely for him. Even a late Osprey flew over between the Red-tailed Hawks that share the place with us.

Swamp Sparrow

Nice.

Angry bird. A Carolina Wren cussing me roundly

It's been a year of abundance for sure. Normally if I find just one Lincoln's Sparrow on the place I am delighted. This year there are three or four in the yard almost any time I go out.

Yesterday there were seven different species to be seen and heard. I suspect that in the morning there were at least forty individuals and most likely more between the house and barnyard, although it is hard to count them all as they skitter and scatter around.

Magnolia Warbler pausing for a nanosecond. 

Included on the list are a plethora of Song Sparrows, several Swamp Sparrows, a couple of Chipping Sparrows, White-throated and White-crowned Sparrows, a single Field Sparrow, and the delightful and normally hard to find Lincoln's.

Not bad for an overgrown farm yard and I expect we may see a Savannah Sparrow any day now. They also nest up in the hayfields, where we see and hear them every summer.

Who says you have to mow and trim anyhow?

Cute little Lincoln's Sparrow