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I saw two juvenile HARRIS'S SPARROWS in separate
locations today along the Weber/Box Elder County line--one sparrow for each
county. The first one was in Weber County along a canal that intersects
the Weber County Pathways Rail Trail and about 1/2 mile south of the trail
head. The sparrow was hanging out with a small group of White-crowned
Sparrows in Russian Olives along the canal and a couple hundred feet east of the
rail trail. This Harris's showed the pink bill outlined with a fine line
of black on the face, buffy-brown face without additional markings, dark
crown, blackish line outlining the lower malar area, white chin, and mottled
black along the sides and center of the upper breast. The remainder of the
breast and belly were clear and light. The sparrow turned briefly before
flying away and showed very narrow white wingbars that were much less distinct
than those of the juvenile White-crowned Sparrows in its company.
The second Harris's Sparrow was also in a scrubby
line of Russian Olives bordering a Teasel-choked field and was generally in the
company of White-crowned Sparrows. This bird was in Box Elder County along
the eastern border of Willard Bay WMA. I caught a glimpse of the Harris's
flitting along the row of trees and the buffy/brown head really caught my
attention. Later, I relocated the sparrow and was able to watch it in the
scope while it preened. It seemed to me that this bird was adjusting its
underdrawers or something--it was very preoccupied with its white lower belly
between its legs. Anyway, the sparrow wore the classic juvenile
Harris's Sparrow plumage depicted in Big Sibley. The brown pattern
outlining the auricular ended in a small brown triangle aft of the eye.
The black "V" under the white chin on the upper breast was well-defined, and the
black mottling along the sides of the upper breast was nicely visible as the
sparrow faced me when it preened. It looked as though the individual crown
feathers were thinly edged with buff. Between sightings of sparrow
#2, I tried to elicit a reaction with a recording --to no avail. It was
just dumb luck that the bird appeared a second time and I got such a good
look. Here's to more dumb luck in 2005!
In addition to the sparrows, the first and third
birds of the day were both Prairie Falcons on the high tension towers that run
north-south toward Willard Bay. The first falcon sat quietly; the second
tore apart what looked like a starling. I saw both starling feet go
down. I also saw Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-capped Chickadees, Spotted
Towhees, House Finches, American Goldfinches, Pine Siskins, American Kestrels,
Red-tailed Hawks, a Great Blue Heron, Common Ravens, Song Sparrows, and
Black-billed Magpies.
To reach this area, take I-15 to exit 354 and turn
west/southwest at the end of the exit ramp. Several hundred yards later,
turn right (west) onto 4000N in Farr West--almost directly across from Smith
& Edwards. You'll also see the sign for Willard Bay's South Marina at
this intersection. Drive west until you see the sign pointing south to the
rail trail. You'll find parking at the trail head. Continue west on
4000N and turn right (north) when the road ends at a "T" intersection.
Notice the sign for Willard Bay WMA on the left. This road is muddy,
potholed, rocky, and not suitable for 2WD passenger cars at this time.
Drive north .7 miles until the Russian Olive trees close in tightly on either
side of the road. The Harris's Sparrow was on the west side, but look for
other goodies in the hedgerow as well. Chickadees, juncos, White-crowned
Sparrows, and goldfinches all used the puddles in the road to bathe.
Kris
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