Merry Christmas - Joyeux Noel

 

May Peace, Happiness and The Richness of Nature be with you always

David and Miriam

Familiar Sparrows - Part 2

     My earlier post regarding some of our familiar sparrows has generated quite a bit of interest and I am pleased to present another group, which I hope you will enjoy equally.

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana)

     If you have never had the pleasure of examining the plumage of a Swamp Sparrow in detail, then you have missed one of life's great pleasures! If that sentence is not spoken like a true bird lover I don't know what is!

      This individual spent the winter at Riverside Park in 2018 and was never reluctant to come to feed with other birds on the rail along the boardwalk where food was strewn by humans.

     You will note the diagnostic rusty crown, grey face, dark line extending from the back of the eye, and the vibrant rusty scapulars and wings. The back is broadly streaked with black.

     It is not generally found at bird feeders, but as is illustrated above, it is quick to take advantage of anthropogenic food sources when the opportunity presents itself.

     This species nests in cattails or shrubs over water, or in sedge tussocks, generally in northerly locations, or at high elevation on mountain lakes and ponds.

     In southern Ontario it is most likely to be seen in migration, but in northern Ontario, or in states such as Minnesota and North Dakota, it may be found as a breeding species. 

Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla)

     This is an exceptionally delicate-appearing little sparrow, somewhat easy to find in the right habitat, and always a cause for intense pleasure on discovering one.

     It is quite plain for the most part and the rusty crown is nowhere near as vivid as on other species. Immediately on seeing a Field Sparrow one is drawn to its pink bill, sometimes referred to as bubblegum pink, and its pinkish/yellow legs.

     Generally, it is uncommon at bird feeders, but once it discovers and habituates to a favourite feeding station, it is prone to become a regular visitor. It shows a preference for feeding on the ground on seed spilled by other birds.

     In the breeding season look for it in old fields or abandoned orchards. The male sings persistently from an exposed perch and is not easily put to flight while protecting territory and seeking a mate.

White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)

     White-crowned Sparrow is a very handsome sparrow indeed, and one that we look forward to seeing in spring and fall as it passes through southern Ontario on migration.

     Nothing is ever guaranteed in the world of birding, but the fact that White-crowned Sparrows will show up in our backyard is as close as one can get to a guarantee. We have lived here for sixteen years and they have not failed us yet.

    The shot above is taken on a moss-covered rock against our back fence.

     Zonotrichia sparrows are quite large, and this species is unlikely to be confused with any other, by the crisp black and white head.

     When freshly moulted the intensity of the colours, and the contrast between black and white is breathtaking. 

     Enjoy this sparkling individual up against Jack Frost (Brunnera macrophyla) in our garden.

     White-crowned Sparrows breed in the far north, in land dominated by Dwarf Spruce (Picea glauca) and Tamarack (Larix laricina).

     The following picture of an adult with young of the year was taken at Colonel Samuel Smith Park in Toronto, ON.

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

     Our second Zonotrichia sparrow is, if anything, even more appealing than the one presented above.

     It is characterized by a vivid white throat patch and a prominent yellow spot in front of the eye.

     If there were such a thing as a "Canadian" sparrow, White-throated Sparrow would be it. It has a plaintive whistled song, instantly recognizable, beginning with two clear leisurely notes, followed by a three-note phrase, repeated two or three times, and widely interpreted as I love Canada, Canada, Canada.

     While primarily migratory, a few birds spend the winter here, as befits a bird that claims to love Canada, I suppose!

     

     Riverside Park in Cambridge is a reliable location for winter residents, and in the following shot you can see White-throated Sparrow sharing food left by humans with American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis), two species covered in my original post.

Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus)

     Here in southern Ontario Lark Sparrow is a rarity, and the first two pictures were taken at a feeder in Fort Erie where a bird spent the winter of 2013/2014, and the owner of the property was very welcoming of visiting birders, keen to see this uncommon visitor.

      It is a very distinctive sparrow, with a striped face that needs little more description, since it is quite different from any other sparrow, except, (vaguely I might add), the much rarer Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza nevadensis).  The habitat preferences of these two species do not overlap to a great extent, so it is unlikely that you will find them together.

     Lark Sparrow breeds over much of the continental United States and is found in the southwest year round. The bird seen below was photographed in southeast Arizona at the foot of the Chiricahua Mountains.

     Be sure to keep an open eye for this wonderfully attractive bird.

      I hope you have enjoyed getting to know five other sparrows and will take up the challenge of identifying them. 

     Let me know what you find in your area.   

    

Familiar Sparrows

     A recent comment by Joanne Noragon made me realize that the number and diversity of sparrows unique to North America are doubtless unfamiliar to many. A little brown bird in the backyard is likely to be referred to as a "sparrow", without knowing that it might be one of several species found in your area. So, Joanne's remark provided me with the impetus to do a couple of posts about some of the stunning little birds you might see in your yard, and perhaps they will lead you to identify them too. Putting a name to a bird, or any other organism for that matter, is always satisfying. If you are feeding birds, (and more people than ever are doing so), you might as well be able to name the ones that visit for a free meal!

     As long as I have some reasonable pictures I will cover many of the familiar visitors over the course of two or three posts.

     Let me begin with the most likely species and the one that is certainly familiar to all - an "alien" species, deliberately introduced into North America, with unforeseen consequences for our native cavity-nesting birds. It is an Old World Sparrow (family: Passeridae), is quite distinct from those species only found in the Americas, and is considered by many a pest. Let me remind you that WE, humans like you and me, after full consideration brought it here deliberately. Having done so, let's be kind to it.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)

     A male House Sparrow is a handsome bird indeed.

     The intensity and extent of the black bib indicates the overall fitness of the male, and females will select for those males whose throat adornment is bold and appealing.

     It is generally believed that such a robust individual is more resistant to parasite loads than those with inferior plumage, and on this basis the female is able to mate with a premium male with good genes to pass on to her offspring. Such a strong male, able to dominate others, will also be a good provider and assist in raising the young.

     The female is delightful, in subtle hues of brown and beige, delicately and demurely attired.

     Make no mistake, however, she is tough, and is a dedicated mother to her nestlings, providing non stop feeding and care, even after they fledge from the nest.

     Let us now turn our attention to the family Passerellidae, or New World Sparrows, found only in the Americas as the name implies. I am covering the five species I have chosen today in taxonomic sequence, not in terms of their likely frequency in your neighbourhood, but if you live where they occur you have a very good chance of seeing them.

Red Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca)

     There are several species of Fox Sparrow once considered subspecies of a single form, that have now been reassigned taxonomically as a result of molecular analysis, and the newly minted full species in my area is Red Fox Sparrow (Passerella iliaca).

     This is a very handsome sparrow and you can readily appreciate why it is known as a RED Fox Sparrow. It is characterized by a very pleasing rusty hue.

     It is a relatively large, chunky sparrow, and may  generally be found feeding on the ground. It may alight on a feeder but I have never witnessed it.

     In the picture above, a House Sparrow is behind the Red Fox Sparrow, giving a clear indication of just how different the two species are.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

     This is one of the most familiar sparrows of all, with distribution right across the continent. In southern Ontario it is principally a migratory species, but a few hardy individuals tough out the winter here.

     It may be easily identified by the streaky breast merging to a central dark spot and by the long tail.

     Males commonly locate a high perch from which to belt out their incessant song, warning off other males and hoping to attract a female. The song is easy to recognize, comprising two to four loud, clear whistles on the same pitch, followed by a trill.

     More often than not the male announces his presence before you see the bird; you are then drawn to it by the incessant repetition.

     This is a bird that is ubiquitous, easy to find, and it is not reluctant to come to your feeders.

     If you have not previously identified different species, Song Sparrow is a good candidate on which to hone your ID skills.

Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

     It would be difficult to mistake or misidentify a Dark-eyed Junco a true northener, who generally appears in our backyards around the end of October/early November. 

     There are several subspecies of this little bird, and depending on where you live, it can look different enough to be taken for another species. The form here in central/eastern North America is known as slate coloured, and it is apparent why this name is appropriate, especially when viewing the male.

     The female, and the young of the year, are more subdued, with paler greys and browns.

     Both sexes have striking white outer tail feathers, very visible in flight, but this character is somewhat duller in females.

     This is a species that can easily be attracted to your feeders, sometimes arriving in small groups of eight to twelve individuals. They are undeterred by even the most vile of winter weather and provide great entertainment as they dig for food in the snow.

American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides aborea)

     This is an enchanting species, delicate, subdued, understated, refined. 

     It arrives from its breeding grounds on the tundra about the same time as Dark-eyed Junco, and copes with winter without apparent difficulty.

     With very little practice this species is easy to identify.

     It has a rufous cap, prominent white wing bars, a plain breast with a central spot, and bicoloured mandibles. This means that the upper part of the beak is dark and the lower part yellow with a dusky tip, clearly shown in the picture above. 

     The picture above was taken in our backyard from inside the house, and even at a distance you can see all of the identifying marks quite clearly.

     Once you learn to recognize this species you will be happy to welcome it to your feeders where it will be a constant source of joy.

Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina)

     You will quickly learn to recognize this tiny sparrow, whose appearance is quite distinctive.

     It has a rusty cap, black line through the eye, white supercilium, a dark bill, long notched tail and a plain breast.

     Often several individuals will be present in your yard, and once they find a reliable source of food they tend to return frequently.

     Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater), a brood parasitic bird, is known to favour Chipping Sparrows as a host species, and it is not unusual to observe a Chipping Sparrow feeding a gargantuan young cowbird.

     There is a tendency by humans to feel a great sense of injustice at this behaviour, but nature is playing out in ways that do not conform to human sensibilities, and we should be elated that we are able to observe nature writ large.

     Juvenile Chipping Sparrows look quite different from their parents, and first identification is best made by observing young birds associating with their parents.

     You will be amazed at how quickly you will be able to identify them independently, but probably better to focus on adult birds initially.

     I hope you have enjoyed this first installment of "Sparrow ID 101". It has been fun putting it together.     

  

Winter Walks

 Friday 11 December 2020

Bechtel Park, Waterloo, ON

     Friday is our day to walk with Heather and Lily and we decided to try Bechtel Park for the first time together.

     

     It was a beautiful winter day, not too cold with little wind and bright sunshine. Lily is already an accomplished winter warrior and enjoys her time outdoors.

     No doubt being strapped on to Mom with all the extra warmth that position provides has something to do with it.

     Lily is becoming ever more alert and aware of her surroundings, and laughs and chuckles if you play peek-a-boo with her. It will not be long before we will be seeing little white teeth when she opens her mouth wide.

     There were birds in the woods, but they were encountered in highly mobile groups of mixed species, very active and extremely difficult to photograph.

     Often we were alerted to their presence by their chattering high in the tree tops. This Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus) will give you an idea of the angle we were dealing with.

     Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) on the ground was much easier to photograph and presented a welcome burst of green against the dun uniformity of the forest floor.

     Laurel Creek meanders through Bechtel Woods, and after periods of heavy rain becomes swollen and flows with great rapidity. The velocity of the surging torrent causes a good deal of erosion on the banks and tree roots become exposed.

     There is ample evidence of trees downed by high winds, now returning nutrients to the soil and playing their role in the eternal cycle of forest renewal. Fungi have a substrate on which to grow, salamanders seek  shelter under logs, and arthropods of countless species find refuge, hidden from view.

     We walked along and chatted, we postulated and opined, cooed to Lily, laughed and reflected, enjoyed each other's company to the fullest.

     All too soon it was time to say goodbye, but even as I compose this post it is Friday again tomorrow, and we will have Heather and Lily all to ourselves once again. There is no greater Friday morning enjoyment.

Friday 11 December 2020

Riverside Park, Cambridge, ON

     As soon as we had finished lunch we decided that we wanted to go back outside and headed off for Riverside Park in Cambridge.

     One could be forgiven for concluding that all the House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) in the area had decided to congregate there.

     No doubt the continuous supply of seed distributed by human well-wishers fueled the attendance!

     Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are not shy about sharing in this feast, and are not reluctant to approach at close quarters either, an opportunity welcomed by photographers.

     The male is handsome.....

     ..... and the female is beautiful.

     One of the first birds that visitors from overseas wish to see is Northern Cardinal and it is not hard to see why. Fortunately, is is quite common, and readily comes to backyard feeders so it is easy to find.

     Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) is one of the most endearing of all our birds, beloved by everyone.

     When my daughter, Caroline, was in primary school her floor hockey team was called The Black-capped Chickadees, and they were as tough and aggressive as their namesake tiny bundle of power and determination. It takes all that winter throws at it, and does so with a cheery song.

       It always takes its seed and flies off to a nearby branch where it grasps the seed in its claws and hammers it open.

      When I was filling my bird feeders this morning I was reminded of the confiding nature of our most common woodpecker, the diminutive Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens), as one perched on a branch no more that 45cm away from me, waiting for the feeder to be replaced on its hook.

     It is a common species at Riverside Park and very approachable. The male is distinguished by his jaunty red cap.

     A couple of drake Mallards (Anas platyrynchos) puttered around on the Grand River, upturning to yank submerged vegetation from the bottom.

     By this time of the year I would have expected species such as Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola) to be present, but the river flowed on devoid of ducks.

     American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is a pugnacious and fearless little character, who will tackle adversaries twice its size.

     Free food along the top rail of the boardwalk is an opportunity not to be missed.

     American Tree Sparrow (Spizelloides arborea) is a species whose number seem to have declined in recent years; fortunately Riverside Park remains a fairly reliable spot to find this charming winter resident.

     Having seen a couple of male Downy Woodpeckers earlier we were delighted when this female paid us a visit.

     As we made our way back along the trail it suddenly was very quiet, and not a bird moved.

A quick scan revealed the reason; this Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) had flown in, but it appeared not to be in hunting mode and left soon after arriving.

     On the way out of Riverside Park we decided to visit the nearby confluence of the Grand and Speed Rivers, an excellent location to find a wide variety of species, with great variability from spring through winter.

     There were many ducks of several species, but mostly far out, and the light was beginning to wane.

Of late there have been a couple of periods of heavy rain, and branches have been washed down the river, to strand themselves in shallow areas.

     Some unsuspecting boat owner lost his dock to swollen flows; no doubt it will make a fine perch for gulls and terns.

     The setting sun provided a fitting backdrop to end a wonderful day.

     It was time to head for home.

Tuesday 15 December 2020

A drive through the hinterland

     We decided that a drive around some of the rural roads of the region was just what the bird doctor ordered.

     The light was far from perfect, but it turned out to be a day for raptors, with four species being spotted.

None of our photographs are about to be entered into competition, but they do provide a record of the day.

     Our first Buteo of the day was a magnificent Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) and by leaning out of the car window Miriam was able to catch its beautiful underwing pattern as it took flight.

     Almost across the road a couple of Mennonites were working on their silo - dangerous work if you ask me!

     Not for them safety straps, tie-offs and harnesses. Bravado does the trick!

     Our next raptor, far and away the most common Buteo in the area was a Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), looking back at us.

     Our third raptor of the day was a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), two of them in fact, in Conestogo, near to the nest where they have raised young successfully for four years at least.

     In the picture below you can see the two eagles (if you look very carefully) perched at either end of the row of trees.

     As was the case when we left Cambridge earlier in the week night was falling and a warm home and a glass of wine seemed inviting.

     Along the way, on Northfield Drive, a busy city street, we saw a male American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) perched on a wire, for our fourth raptor in a couple of hours.

     Not a bad way to end the day if you ask me!