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Subject:

Harris's Sparrow continues (3/27)

From:

Fred Shaffer

Reply-To:

Fred Shaffer

Date:

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:38:40 -0400

Early this afternoon, I, Marcia Balestria, John Denny, and Jessica (my apologies, I forgot the last name) saw the 1st winter Harris's Sparrow at the previously described location behind the office building in Columbia.  I arrived a little after noon, and watched as numerous Goldfinch came to the feeder and Juncos fed on the ground.  Smaller numbers of White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Cardinals, House Finch, Mourning Doves, and 2 Cowbirds were also present.  John had also seen Pine Siskin.

After about an hour, a Fox Sparrow began feeding under the feeder.  It was then joined by the Harris's Sparrow, which feed briefly under the feeder, went on the grass next to the building for a few minutes, and then returned to ground immediately under the feeder (right next to a Fox Sparrow).  We got great views of this pretty bird from multiple angles.  I especially liked seeing it right next to the Fox Sparrow.  A second Fox Sparrow later showed up.  We were able to watch the bird for about 10 minutes before it flew out of sight.

The landscapers for the office park had been doing quite a bit of work in the area around the feeders this morning, but when they moved off to the other side of the building, activity at the feeder picked up.  

Fred Shaffer
Patuxent MOS