Swimming Sparrow
Sparrow diversity will be increasing by the day as we move through October and the temperature finally drops. You can expect to see more familiar faces soon after cold fronts bring cooperative winds. In the mean time we have plenty of the more abundant birds like this Savannah Sparrow utilizing the grasslands, feed plots, gardens, dirt patches, rocks, and waterways of Chautauqua County. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreIpswich Savannah Sparrow
The Savannah Sparrow is a familiar bird to many of us, abundant in our farmlands, fields, grasslands, shrublands, shores, roadsides, and other open habitats. You can find them across the northern U.S. and Canada during the nesting and migration seasons, and you’ll spot them overwintering in the southern U.S. or Mexico. This particular individual looks a little different than your average Savannah Sparrow – notice anything unusual? It is somewhat larger and heavier that a typical Savannah Sparrow, and its brown shades and yellow eye spot are considerably paler. This is an...
Read MoreBad Hair Day
Don’t worry, Savannah Sparrow, bad hair days happen to all of us. Speaking of that, our collective feathers and hair are all about to be blown away. We had a warm and very not November-like stretch but the snow is coming to Chautauqua County! Be safe and enjoy the beginning act of the winter season.
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow
The Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) is another bird pushing south through our grasslands, fields, and farms right now. Look for their brown streaks – likely more thin and broken up than the Song Sparrow – and the distinctive yellow patch of feathers over the eye extending to their small bill.
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow
This Savannah Sparrow is showing off some excellent fall and soon to be winter camouflage! Grasslands, fields, shrub and scrub, and beach habitats are some of the places to find them still moving through in late, small numbers, with others setting up their winter homes. Keep an eye out for the Ispwich Savannah Sparrow if you are on the Atlantic Coast. This subspecies of Savannah Sparrow breeds exclusively on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, and winters on similar sand dunes on the shoreline. It is noticeably paler and weighs approximately 50% more than most other Savannah Sparrow...
Read More
