Tuesday, March 15, 2016

First Song Sparrow of the Spring

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.
     
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

28 comments:

  1. Hi David,
    Lovely to hear the birds sing again.
    Spring has started.
    Best regards, Irma

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  2. I'm guessing this species is on the northern edge of its breeding range so let's hope it is is sucessful.

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  3. Song Sparrow is a wonderful bird. Stunning pictures you have taken. Greetings.

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  4. Hello David!:)Sweet! He is certainly singing his little heart out.. middle picture. It's lovely to hear birds as they arrive.

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  5. Hi David,
    Nice pictures. I nerver see it, thank's for your photos.
    Nice day

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  6. Song Sparrows have been coming, great to watch David.

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  7. Hope it ends up nesting there.............

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  8. It's always special to see the first bird of a season, so thanks for sharing it with us, and good luck with the breeding.

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  9. I've been listening for them, but no luck yet.

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  10. Hi David.

    Beautifully David to be greeted with singing.
    Picture two with open snout is very beautiful.

    Groettie from Patricia.

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  11. 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.

    Good luck with your nest fiding david. Do you subscribe to a national Nest Record scheme?

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    1. I have submitted nest records sporadically, but I should be a little more diligent and do it religiously. Thanks for reminding me, Phil.

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  12. The second picture is super, David, well timed.
    Gr Jan W

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  13. Spring has sprung with the sparrows. Cute little birds.
    There were several on our fence today, we hadn't seen any for a long time.

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  14. Brilliant captures David,I always say March is marching on to Spring.
    John.

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  15. Lovely!!
    Is 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 :)

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    Replies
    1. It's actually quite common, Noushka, but very delightful.

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  16. Dearest David,
    That 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

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  17. Great photos and he looks a very happy little bird. Keep well Diane

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  18. Lovely to hear the beautiful songs of the first sparrow again.
    Also other birds we hear the beautiful songs.
    Nice pictures you've made this David :-)

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  19. Yay! They've arrived. I swear I can almost hear that little guys big song!

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  20. Hello, 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.

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  21. To 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.

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  22. IT IS SO BEAUTIFULLLLLLLLLLLLL THANH U DEAR AND CHEERS

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  23. I listen well, maybe me already hear them singing. Regards.

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  24. Hello David,
    Nice pictures of this loud singing bird.

    Greetings, Marco

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  25. Lovely photo's you've shared here David, thank you.
    It is so lovely to hear bird song ... it never ceases to amaze me the nests our beautiful birds can make ...

    All the best Jan

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  26. Fantastic photos! Together with the spring birds are more and more. Very soon we will be able to listen to their spring songs!
    Greetings from Poland!

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