[Birdnet] Sparrow Motherlode in South Weber

[Kristin Purdy]

I think I hit a motherlode of sparrows in South Weber, Davis County this morning while scouting my sector for tomorrow's Ogden Christmas Bird Count. The goodies included a HARRIS'S SPARROW, a WHITE-THROATED SPARROW (tan-striped) and three American Tree Sparrows. Many White-crowned were present of course, but I was also impressed by the number of Song Sparrows in a small area--perhaps 6-8. Too bad the predominant species was the House Sparrow; they did make sifting through the other birds difficult. 

The Harris's Sparrow appeared to be a first-winter bird with a very buffy face lacking black and a sparse black bib. 

The area is an undeveloped subdivision under the BIG powerline that cuts across South Weber from the golf ball radar on Hill Air Force Base on the south side to exit 85 of I-84 on the north side.

To reach this area, take I-84 to exit 85, South Weber. Turn south at the end of the exit ramp. Drive .7-.8 miles until the road (475E.) ends at South Weber Drive (SR-60). Turn left (south). Drive .3 miles to Canyon Meadows Drive (675E.) Turn left (north) into the subdivision. Drive north paralleling the powerline and turn left on 6980S, Old Post Rd. Park on the right and notice the golden weeds past the sidewalk. The sparrows were in those weeds at first and then moved to the sparse row of Russian Olives farther past the weeds. I could also see them from a little further north on Canyon Meadows Drive.

Beyond the Russian Olives a small wetland is thick with cattails; a good reason for all the Song Sparrows. 

Kris  
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://secureserver.securesites.net/pipermail/birdnet/attachments/20061215/43b58033/attachment.htm