Here is an American Tree Sparrow (Spizella arborea) that I photographed during my hometown Christmas Bird Count in Stratford, Connecticut yesterday, part of a flock of perhaps 15 individuals that were staying mostly out of sight. I made sure to take the photo because it was feeding on Common Reed (Phragmites australis), one of the most notorious non-native invasive plants in North America. American Tree Sparrows are well-known as seed eaters and can often be found at the top of weeds and grasses, but I do not personally remember seeing them feeding on the “phrag” before. I wonder how nutritious it is (or isn’t) for them compared to some of our other native vegetation. To make this photo an even greater separation from reality I should tell you that this was in a landfill…sometimes what we don’t see or choose to ignore can be very powerful in itself. It certainly felt like a mesmerizing scene on the solstice. Who said winter can’t be beautiful? You do not even need snow!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
