Sunday, March 23, 2008

Clay-colored Sparrow, Winter 2007-2008

A Clay-colored Sparrow has been in or near the group picnic area, east of Lake Ming since December 1. After having been questioned about such sightings in the past, I kept it quiet and only suggested to John Wilson he look at the bird during the Bakersfield Christmas Bird Count. I was certain it was a Clay from the beginning because of the white, central-crown stripe and the buffy ear patch. There was no dark line extending in front of the eye. It wasn't a Chippy, but I was still gunshy. Johnny confirmed it was a Clay.
I saw it again today, March 23rd. It is now feeding in the group picnic area, near the first set of restrooms. Today, it was about five feet to the south of the restrooms, for the first time. It has been to the north for many weeks. Among the other birds in the flock are many Lark Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, a couple Chippies, a couple Lawrence's Goldfinches, White-crowns, House Finches, and today - several American Goldfinches. There was a single Savannah one day and there was a Lincoln's one day. Among the Dark-eyed Juncos, there was a Slate-colored, for awhile.

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