April 4 2011 - Sparrowpalooza!

Considering it started as just a quick glance st the feeders today turned into quite something.

A couple of Chipping Sparrows around the deck including one on the Niger feeder were the immediate surprise


Shortly after a Fox Sparrow flew into the tree from the lower are of the garden - both species reappearing later in the afternoon ( but with only quick photo ops ).

3-4 different White-throated Sparrows were around throughout the day abs the Song Sparrows remain the only ones interested in the mealworms on offer.

It was generally busy all day with an unusual visit from 2 Starlings and the appearance early afternoon of a pair of Cowbirds - probably a new garden species

C c c c cowbirds and an odd heron

38* with chill NNW breeze



No sign of the Beaver this morning but the partial lodge is still under the Green Heron tree although it doesnt look like it has been added to much.



Nearby, a flock 400 or so cowbirds were feeding near the road. They were quite tame allowing fairly close approach before taking off in unison and flying straight over me before wheeling back round.

Cowbirds, just after take off, video grab

From the river bed, looking back towards the Holmes Run 'warterfall' a Great Blue Heron attracted my attention. Seemingly a juvenile moulting/moutled into adult plumage. However, looking more closely, the thigh feathers were whitish. On the folded wing there was just a small area of rufous, not always visible. When I approached the area from above (near the softball field / warbler corner) the bird flushed quickly.

GBH - yucky lighting