[MDOsprey] Lark Sparrow in Annapolis
Miliff@aol.com
Wed, 15 Dec 1999 16:07:47 EST
MDOsprey,
Today I took a quick break from computer work and headed out into the fog for
a little birding. One of my favorite local "patches" has especially good
habitat this year. It has always been interesting actually: on the Annapolis
CBC I have had thrashers and catbirds regularly, House Wren once, the first
sector records for American Tree Sparrow (several times), and once, a
Dickcissel! I got my life Lincoln's Sparrow there once in the spring
(singing!) and once in the fall I got a quick look at a possible Henslow's.
I have long thought it a perfect place for a Northern Shrike...hence my
recent trips.
Last Wednesday (Dec 8) I took a similar work break and found a very nice
bluebird/junco/goldfinch/Field Sparrow flock, which has always been one of my
favorite types of associations. I figure almost any rarity is possible in
such groups, with Clay-colored Sparrow, redpoll, and Say's Phoebe at the fore
of my mind. Instead, on that trip, I found a nice, pale Baltimore Oriole.
It was feeding on the ground with the bluebirds and occasionally lighting up
in the trees. Though the belly was white and the back gray, the face was
totally plain with no supercilium. It is these types of birds that are
routinely mistaken for Bullock's Oriole. I took a couple pictures just for
the record and made a mental note to return to check the rest of the fields
and to make sure my stakeout for the Annapolis CBC stayed in place.
Today was my first chance to go back and I was surprised not to find the
bluebird flock (or the oriole). all the other birds seemed to be in place
though, and the area was as active and birdy as before, if not moreso. The
place was full of Songs, White-throats, juncos, and cardinals, and had a few
Field Sparrows, towhees, and goldfinches as well. A thrasher was the best I
could pull out for a while, until a gorgeous LARK SPARROW teed up next to me.
It then startled and flew up to some high trees, where it flipped back and
forth a few times. Once it settled in in one of the trees, I made a quick
dash for my camera but could not refind the bird when I returned.
I am reluctant to post the specifics since the location is somewhat
sensitive. However, if anyone is interested in looking for the bird please
feel free to call me (410-269-1589) or email me <miliff@aol.com> for
specifics. I will gladly give directions as long as they come with an
explanation of my concerns. The place exudes the aroma of rare birds, and
I'm sure I haven't seen them all yet. I'll gladly join anyone looking for
the sparrow or helping to beat the place up to see what else emerges.
Best,
Marshall Iliff
miliff@aol.com
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Marshall J. Iliff
Annapolis, MD
miliff@aol.com
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