White-throated Sparrow
Here is a photo of a White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) toughing it out in a recent snowstorm. Despite the fact that we were in the middle of February, this bird was already sporting its spring courting plumage; evidenced by its bright white throat and vibrant yellow lores. This is one of the first species you can expect to hear singing at the end of winter; their “oh-sweet-Canada” or “poor-Sam-Peabody” tune resonates from the brush. In some cases you might see White-throated Sparrows year-round – some birds will overwinter in the Northeast and head...
Read MoreWhite-throated Sparrow
They’re back! Yep, the White-throated Sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) have returned here, there and everywhere as one of the symbols of fall migration was seen much more frequently birders in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic during the past couple of weeks. Have they joined you in your yard yet? Winter is indeed coming…
Read MoreWhite-throated Sparrow
I recently caught this White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) in the middle of a meal… …which it seemed to try to hide from me until gulping it down. Their whites and yellows are much bolder right now than those that winter with us as they conclude their spring migration. In some cases you may have White-throated Sparrows year-round with some birds that overwinter at your house and head far north into Canada for the breeding season while other individuals move in to our area from even further south and nest relatively close to us in New York, Pennsylvania, and...
Read MoreSpring-like White-throated Sparrow
It feels like nobody told this gorgeous White-throated Sparrow that it was not spring time! I thought it was looking rather dapper for December standards and snapped this shot while it looked me over. Unlike this friendly bird I was not dressed to shine on a chilly and overcast day. I am jealous of you folks who get to see the species year-round. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreWhite-throated Sparrows massing and feeding
White-throated Sparrows have arrived in tremendous numbers across the region, ready to eat you out of house and home all winter long! Before then, while the grass and earth is still exposed, without being snow-covered or frozen, they can feast on more natural meals. I took a bunch of photos of a few individuals in a group feeding on the lawn last week. There would not be much to chow down on if this were uniformly treated bright, green grass, one species that was chemically induced to look like the perfect lawn. These monocultures are taking up valuable habitat real estate and often consist...
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