My good friend, Stacy, texted to see if I wanted to join her in a chase for a Golden-crowned Sparrow. This vagrant was being seen down in Delaware County and would be a life bird for me and a state bird for Stacy. It took me a few hours to weigh weather conditions, the long drive, and how regularly the bird was being seen. I soon warmed to the idea and I'm so glad I did!
The drive down ended up being fine, in spite of the heavy fog that made me a bit anxious during the first hour. After that, I was able to relax and enjoy the beauty of the countryside, especially within Delaware County, itself. Stacy was driving from Essex County, an area within the Adirondacks, and had a later start time than I did. When we eventually met up at the motel (
Downsville Motel), we shared our excitement over seeing this incredibly rare bird, only the 4th NYS record, if accepted. And, after a great dinner at the Schoolhouse Restaurant, a nearby establishment, and a good night's sleep, we were raring to go at first light.
Lance Verderame, the finder of the mega rarity, soon greeted us and the other birders who had joined, now numbering about ten. Lance found the bird on Dec. 30th as he was scouting for the local
CBC. He hosts a blog too and more information about his exciting find can be found here:
Sullivan & Delaware County Birder's Blog. In an effort to get us on the bird and to keep us within the parameters of the neighborhood's requests, Lance got us organized and lined up. To my amazement, he soon spotted the bird for us. Our initial views were brief but clear as the bird perched on a weed stem while foraging in an adjacent field along with some White-throated Sparrows. After that, it came up to a bush near the homeowner's stocked feeders where we got somewhat more satisfying, but brief views. By this time, the weather was turning and precipitation and wind were making the feeder watching more unpleasant. Stacy and I decided to leave, disappointed we didn't get any photos but still quite happy that we had at least seen the bird. Next, we drove around the area looking for local birds.
We had heard that Golden Eagles were being seen at a spot not too far away on Airport Road, so that's where we headed first. What a great experience this was! Soon after arriving, we saw a young Golden Eagle being harassed by at least 14 Common Ravens. Two young Bald Eagles later joined in the attack and we couldn't help but wonder why the unfortunate golden deserved such negative attention...
After a few more stops along local roads - and picking up some nice birds for the county, we noticed the weather was clearing a bit. We thought we might get a photo opportunity if the special vagrant, the Golden-crowned Sparrow, was still showing himself. To our delight, he showed up soon after we rejoined the group of birders. There were now some familiar faces and some new faces gathered there - and it was fun to reacquaint with several folks. The sparrow was very kind this time and presented himself nicely, giving much joy to our happy group.
I'm often asked how birds end up far from their normal ranges. In most cases, it's difficult to say for sure. Sometimes a weather event pushes them off-course during migration, or their "magnetic compass", a built-in directional system they've been given, goes haywire. Sometimes food supplies dwindle and birds wander, seeking food elsewhere, or there are even a few actual wanderers, where a bird will occasionally pick up and travel, wandering about (see my account of the
1st state record for an Inca Dove). The Golden-crown Sparrow normally breeds in Alaska and winters along the western edge of the US. I don't think there is speculation yet on the cause of this bird's presence in New York State, but I wonder if the fires out in California weren't a
contributor to this bird's vagrancy. Maybe not - but it's a thought that occurred to me...
Anyway, after our last sighting of my new life bird, Stacy and I parted company and began our separate journeys homeward. I went through quite a bit of heavy snow for the first hour of the drive, but that didn't diminish the smile on my face!
The Golden-crowned Sparrow giving a nice look at his golden crown. I don't think anyone has decided if this was a non-breeding adult or a young, immature bird. The coloring of the crown of an adult in breeding plumage is more vibrant and extensive.
The Golden-crowned Sparrow eating some of the seed left out by the gracious homeowners.
Still on the deck, eating seed.
The sparrow perched here for a minute or so before taking off into the cover of a neighbor's bush. We didn't see it again after this.
Two young Bald Eagles entering into some aerial play or scrap; it was hard to tell which!
The young Golden Eagle getting harassed by Common Ravens.
Many ravens joined the fray.
In this shot, the two juv Bald Eagles even targeted the unfortunate golden.
A nice, little Carolina Wren gave us a quick view at the eagle location.
It was nice to see a few Golden-crowned Kinglets about the area.
We found this Ring-necked Pheasant, one of 2, seen along the roads in the area.
Here's one of two Wild Turkeys I saw on my drive to Downsville.