15 March 2016
I was delighted this morning when doing my regular Tuesday walkabout at SpruceHaven to discover my first Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia of the spring.
This little male was singing at full volume from the top of a small sapling, no doubt establishing a territory to present to the first female to arrive.
This species will be with us now well into late fall, and I hope that we will be able to find evidence of breeding at SpruceHaven. Its nest is a cup of leaves, strips of bark, weeds, and grass lined with finer grass, rootlets and hair. It is far from easy to locate! Nests are commonly placed on the ground among grasses, sedges, cattails and a variety of bushes.
There is certainly ample choice habitat at SpruceHaven so we will be vigilant as spring progresses and see if we can confirm breeding.
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear the birds sing again.
Spring has started.
Best regards, Irma
I'm guessing this species is on the northern edge of its breeding range so let's hope it is is sucessful.
ReplyDeleteSong Sparrow is a wonderful bird. Stunning pictures you have taken. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteHello David!:)Sweet! He is certainly singing his little heart out.. middle picture. It's lovely to hear birds as they arrive.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteNice pictures. I nerver see it, thank's for your photos.
Nice day
Song Sparrows have been coming, great to watch David.
ReplyDeleteHope it ends up nesting there.............
ReplyDeleteIt's always special to see the first bird of a season, so thanks for sharing it with us, and good luck with the breeding.
ReplyDeleteI've been listening for them, but no luck yet.
ReplyDeleteHi David.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully David to be greeted with singing.
Picture two with open snout is very beautiful.
Groettie from Patricia.
I nevere ever lose the excitement of seeing and hearing the first real songsters of spring. In my case it's the first soft song of the Willow Warbler.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your nest fiding david. Do you subscribe to a national Nest Record scheme?
I have submitted nest records sporadically, but I should be a little more diligent and do it religiously. Thanks for reminding me, Phil.
DeleteThe second picture is super, David, well timed.
ReplyDeleteGr Jan W
Spring has sprung with the sparrows. Cute little birds.
ReplyDeleteThere were several on our fence today, we hadn't seen any for a long time.
Brilliant captures David,I always say March is marching on to Spring.
ReplyDeleteJohn.
Lovely!!
ReplyDeleteIs it a scarce species?
I hope you do find evidence of them breeding with such a name, he should sing beautifully although our sparrows here do not have harmonious calls like other passerine birds.
Best wishes and warm hugs to share with Lady Miriam :)
It's actually quite common, Noushka, but very delightful.
DeleteDearest David,
ReplyDeleteThat Song sparrow really was serious about his serenade to the females around! Even though it is slightly fluffed up because of the temperature still. We enjoy full action here in Georgia with 28ºC during this week.
Enjoy the awakening of spring in your area and hoping that breeding will be successful.
Hugs,
Mariette
Great photos and he looks a very happy little bird. Keep well Diane
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear the beautiful songs of the first sparrow again.
ReplyDeleteAlso other birds we hear the beautiful songs.
Nice pictures you've made this David :-)
Yay! They've arrived. I swear I can almost hear that little guys big song!
ReplyDeleteHello, the song sparrows are pretty. I have been seeing them here for awhile now. I just saw my first of the year Chipping Sparrow today. YAY for spring.
ReplyDeleteTo see if you have luck and you can locate the nest of this lovely bird. Here are also doing their spring birds singing, I love spring. A big hug my friend David.
ReplyDeleteIT IS SO BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLL THANH U DEAR AND CHEERS
ReplyDeleteI listen well, maybe me already hear them singing. Regards.
ReplyDeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteNice pictures of this loud singing bird.
Greetings, Marco
Lovely photo's you've shared here David, thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt is so lovely to hear bird song ... it never ceases to amaze me the nests our beautiful birds can make ...
All the best Jan
Fantastic photos! Together with the spring birds are more and more. Very soon we will be able to listen to their spring songs!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Poland!