Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus
in Fort Erie, ON
30 November 2013
30 November 2013
Remarkably, a Lark Sparrow, not normally seen north of the Great Lakes in eastern and central North America, has been present at the feeders of Patrick Baichoo at 801 Niagara River Parkway in Fort Erie.
As might be imagined, this striking member of a large and diverse family, has caused great delight among the many birders who have been fortunate enough to see it.
On Saturday last, while taking part in the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Field Naturalists' outing to the Niagara area, principally in search of gulls, we stopped to see this rarity. For many participants it was a lifer.
The neighbours of Patrick's property left their gate open so that birders could walk across their yard to view the feeders over the fence at Patrick's house, affording very good looks at the bird.
Patrick came out to see us and beckoned us over to a good vantage point from which to observe the bird. In the process he engaged us with a great deal of pleasant conversation and showed us pictures that he had taken. These pictures are used on this blog entry.
On behalf of the birding fraternity, I wish to extend sincere thanks to Patrick and his wife for the hospitable and friendly manner in which they welcomed birders to their home. Their kindness was very much appreciated.
