Savannah Sparrow Up Close
This Savannah Sparrow would certainly rather be in the grasslands and farm fields than stuck to the pavement. Unfortunately for the bird at the moment, and often for the species in the winter, those favored habitats are covered in a very deep layer of snow and ice. Instead it feeds on any exposed seeds it can find in these grasses, just like other birds I have photographed and shown you lately. It is not an easy life but it may be easier and safer overall than migrating far to the south and having to return in a couple of months. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read MoreSavannah Sparrows Eating Driveway Grass
In this classic winter tradition we see Savannah Sparrows feeding on grass growing in and around a driveway that has been plowed, taking advantage of some of the only uncovered earth in the immediate area. Other uncommon species that often enjoy this method of obtaining uncovered food are the Snow Bunting, Horned Lark, Lapland Longspur, and White-crowned Sparrow. Checking out the side of roadways in the middle of winter can often yield some small gems like these all the way to birds like the American Woodcock or multiple species of owls. Birds are very creative and adaptable, often able to...
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis)
Here we have an attentive Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis), a winter landbird species that you should be on the lookout for mixed in with other sparrows. They can be found especially near any farmlands, fields, grasslands and coastal areas, looking for seeds to devour. If there is a snowfall you can find them seeking out areas near water or plowed habitat that provides unexpectedly helpful access to grasses. This is a more typical Savannah Sparrow, but if you live on the Atlantic Coast be mindful of finding the large, pale “Ipswich” Savannah Sparrow on beaches and...
Read MoreMay bird migrants
I’ve spent upwards of 60 hours in the field in the last week with most of my time spent surveying for birds (besides butterflies, dragonflies/damselflies, amphibians, reptiles, plants, you know..basically everything!) and here are more of the photos I’ve taken of a bunch of species. From May 6 to May 10, without trying to accumulate a high count and simply working on specific properties, I saw 141 bird species in Chautauqua County. What were they, you ask? Here’s all of them! Canada Goose Wood Duck Gadwall American Black Duck Mallard Blue-winged Teal Northern Shoveler...
Read MoreSavannah Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis) by Scott Kruitbosch
This Savannah Sparrow was one of many found at the Jamestown Airport this summer.
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