The day the Harris's Sparrow came to town.....
For a birder it was a great morning. While pouring my morning cup of coffee I looked out my garden window and noticed a sparrow with field marks unfamiliar to me. So I grabbed my optics and had a better look. Hummmmmmm, whatever it was, I'd never seen one before. Now out came the field guides. A quick look through the sparrows section of my Sibley's indicated I might have a Harris's Sparrow. This meant further investigation in my "Sparrows of the United States and Canada" guide by Beadle & Rising. Sure enough, there was my bird on page 216, an adult in basic plumage. Once I posted this rare find to the birding world I soon had birders from everywhere coming over to take a look for themselves. I learned from the best that this bird was only the second sighting of its species in Santa Clara County in 30 years. We also decided the previous three days of unsually high winds probably blew this little guy far off course from East to West because Harris's winter in Texas, and we were far from Texas. Its Winter - enjoy the season, you just never know what you'll find. Basic plumage adult Harris's Sparrow wintering in Campbell, CA. - Image provided by local birder and photographer Beth Hamel |
Upcoming Events, come join!
| Sat. Feb. 4, 2012 |
San Joaquin River NWR - Final trip report! |
| Sat. Feb. 11, 2012 |
Salinas River Mouth - FULL |
| Sat. March 24, 2012 |
Sunol Regional Wilderness - Tell Me More |
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So what is birding?
A hobby, a sport, a challenge, a good time |
 Non-birders often ask,
What is birdwatching?
Well, birding gets folks outside to enjoy everything found in nature. Its like going
on a treasure hunt. Everywhere
you look may find new lands, creatures and birds.
As you get into the sport you end up with great toys from high powered optics, to fancy tripods and ipods. Then there are all the latest outdoor clothes that keep you warm, cool or dry depending on your destination habitat. Birding motivates one to explore the open spaces that people have worked so hard to preserve while also appreciating the birds in your own yard. Eventually birders travel the world, climb mountains, visit glaciers, cross deserts and go out into the oceans to find new species. You meet great people and often end up doing service for organizations that can use a little help. All are welcome regardless of age, sex, personal beliefs or income. Now THAT'S what birding is. Brown Pelican image by Thomas Dunkerton
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| Quotes for the Birds |
"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." - Will Rogers
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