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...
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_6034.jpg)
Beautiful Nelson's Sparrow
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_6032.jpg)
Nelson's Sparrow - what a surprise!
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_6029.jpg)
Nelson's Sparrow
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_6133.jpg)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5420.jpg)
A couple of Cackling Geese (on the right) seen a few days earlier
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5852.jpg)
A Blue-headed Vireo eating a Crane Fly
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5926.jpg)
Blackpoll Warbler
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5957.jpg)
Yellow-rumped Warbler - they may be plentiful but we won't get to enjoy them for much longer!
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_6762.jpg)
A Pine Siskin - many are beginning to come through the area now - yay!
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5569.jpg)
American Black Duck - I thought he looked rather comical in this shot!
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5738.jpg)
White-breasted Nuthatch
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5716.jpg)
A late Northern Parula
![blog photo](/images/blogs/14123/large/blogs_14123_DSC_5751.jpg)
A House Wren without a tail - I hope he's able to migrate out of here!