An Unexpected Nelson's Sparrow
Published: October 16, 2020
Tags: Rarities, nelson's sparrow, cackling goose, blue-headed vireo, yellow-bellied sapsucker, blackpoll warbler, yellow-rumped warbler, american black duck, white-breasted nuthatch, northern parula, house wren, pine siskin
At the start of my birding at Beaver Island SP the other morning, I stopped at a little marshy area to look for some coots that I heard were there. Off to my right, though, I saw some weeds at the water's edge moving in an erratic way. I spished to see if there might be a Song or Swamp Sparrow moving about - and to my great surprise, a lovely Nelson's Sparrow popped up in response. Wow! I'm amazed he stayed for several seconds as I lifted my camera, focused, and got a few shots to document him. Usually, some of these birds just zip away before I even get the chance! This is one of those very secretive marsh birds that only come through WNY in migration. And next to the LeConte's Sparrow, its orangey face makes it the prettiest sparrow we get!
Other photos I've included are of the continuing parade of migrants coming through Western New York...
Beautiful Nelson's Sparrow
Nelson's Sparrow - what a surprise!
Nelson's Sparrow
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
A couple of Cackling Geese (on the right) seen a few days earlier
A Blue-headed Vireo eating a Crane Fly
Blackpoll Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler - they may be plentiful but we won't get to enjoy them for much longer!
A Pine Siskin - many are beginning to come through the area now - yay!
American Black Duck - I thought he looked rather comical in this shot!
White-breasted Nuthatch
A late Northern Parula
A House Wren without a tail - I hope he's able to migrate out of here!