Winter Sparrows Returning

in #birding2 years ago

LISP_0Y0A2771 2022-09-18 Camp Maine.JPG
A Lincoln's Sparrow Melospiza lincolnii I saw on a recent trip home to Maine, but this species which in summer is found on wet mountain areas, is common in the lowlands in the non-breeding season.

GCSP_7925 2021-04-06 Ft. Steilacom Park.JPG
Golden-crowned Sparrows Zonotrichia atricapilla have just started to be seen in the last few days this fall. They are now singing their odd fall song everywhere.

FOSP_5111.JPG
Fox Sparrows Passerella iliaca are one of my favorite sparrows. They call incessantly from dense cover in winter near where I live, but in summer, and occasionally in late spring before leaving, they sing beautifully in the mountains.
The return of these guys is a partial compensation for the coming wet and cool weather. It's still great here now though.
Good birding.