Harris's Sparrow Island 22

[Gord]

This morning a quick scan of a flock of Golden-crowned Sparrow rewarded me with a juv Harris's Sparrow! I knew there was something interesting with the sparrow who's back I could only see until it hopped out.

Ive had two at my feeders (1991 and 1993) and saw two(!!!) at a friend's feeder in 1998 and that was the last time I have seen one. This is the first one Ive found not at a feeder too! ;D

I did not have my camera so could not get what would have been a poor photo. I hope it's there tomorrow morning.

I found it at the far east end of the dyke. It was feeding in an open patch in the blackberries south of the dyke.

[Dave]

Double WOW!
That list of Island 22 is growing and growing! Super bird for CHWK, and the monthly list! I'll update it again, and I think we are at 94. 6 more to the goal of 100.

Dave

[Gord]

This morning (Friday) I got a brief glimpse of the Harris's Sparrow in the same general location. Soon after I heard a Redpoll calling somewhere overhead. I turned around and around gazing skyward in what Im sure was a comical motion to try and spot it. I soon learned I didnt need to have done that as it came in right over my head and landed in an alder tree. Got a couple distant shots.





Later, Dave and I met at the end of the day looking for the Harris's Sparrow. This time, it was much more cooperative. We heard this strange sound which turned out to be the sparrow singing weakly as it perched in a tree. Tried a couple weak (ok, terrible!) shots.



It then came down and joined the sparrows and juncos feeding. At this point, Jeff phoned Dave on something unrelated to birds. Was one of the shortest conversations Ive heard on a phone! I heard "Harris's Sparrow, Island 22, West Dyke, See you!" Somehow, it was not much more than five minutes when I saw Jeff coming down the dyke to us from the parking lot. The thought "Is he Superman?" crossed my mind considering it's a good five minute walk from the parking lot. I hoped this was so as x-ray vision would be needed as most of the sparrows and juncos had left, likely for bed as it was getting dark and the Harris's was last seen going into the blackberries too. I felt bad for him, but we got very fortunate as we got another viewing before it finally left.

Congrats on the lifers you guys!

I think this bird is going to hang around for awhile.

[Gord]

The Harris's Sparrow is still in the area again. Also the or another redpoll flew over. This time it had company with a flock of Pine Siskins.

Got some better pictures of the sparrow this time.

[Gord]

He's still there this morning at first light.

Also there was a Pine Grosbeak around briefly.