Fox Sparrows Arrived
Fox Sparrow photo from November 2007
I had my first Fox Sparrow at my bird feeder this evening (CHECK, first for 2008). I just knew it was only a matter of time until these amazing red/gray birds made their arrival into the area. I didn’t get a photo of them since it was cloudy/snowing and its was getting close to sunset! I expect to see them more of these Fox Sparrow over the next few weeks.
Yesterday I thought I had heard the “fee-beee” call of the Eastern Phoebe and instantly froze to listen!! I listened . . . . and then listened some more!! I also looked around for the bird but couldn’t seem to find where the suspected “fee-beee” sound come from! Since I can’t tell if this was something in my head or if I actually heard the Phoebe sing . . . . I can’t officially say they have returned! But it is only a matter of time until I am able officially check them off my year list!
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Tom- More snow up your way? I hope its the last. Thanks for these great images, I really need to keep my eye out for this sparrow- they are really bold, can’t believe they keep evading me.
Tom
27 March 2008 at 8:19 pm
Yea for the Fox Sparrow! I saw my first one on Sunday. They are so much fun to watch hopping backwards on the ground for their seeds.
27 March 2008 at 8:36 pm
Big check! Tom! I had my first a few days ago.
It’s SNOWING again . . . . . . .
27 March 2008 at 8:44 pm
I love these colorful sparrows, but unfortunately they seem to prefer the territories just north of us. Glad that they settled in around you, though!
27 March 2008 at 8:44 pm
I saw two Fox Sparrows a few weeks ago. I like the way they forage around for seed. Nice, quiet sparrows.
27 March 2008 at 8:52 pm
After the quiet of wintertime the music of bird calls is such a welcome sound.
27 March 2008 at 9:32 pm
One of my favorite sparrows. They are so handsome in their red and gray. They remind me of towhees the way the shuffle through the duff.
27 March 2008 at 10:11 pm
@ Tom – yes . . ugg! I also hope this is the last of it! Hope you do find them . . they are some of my fave of sparrows!
@ Ruthie – How great and they are amazing birds to watch!
@ Cathy- Thanks and big check for sure! We will have snow on the ground again when we wake up in the morning! Ugg
@ Marty – thanks and maybe one day they will surprise you?? Thanks
@ Mary – They are great sparrows and so glad you had a chance to see them!
@ Barbara – thanks and it is great hearing all the birdies vocalizing again!
@ Lisa, thanks and I agree with how they remind you of towhees!
27 March 2008 at 10:13 pm
I love his striped belly! So handsome and I’m sure your Eastern Phoebe will be there shortly!
27 March 2008 at 10:22 pm
beautiful pictures. i love the sparrow’s song.. ~nita~
27 March 2008 at 10:30 pm
I like the markings on this sparrow. I just did a search on its song and played it. Its song it so very pleasant. It makes you think spring is in the air even though it is snowing outside.
27 March 2008 at 10:59 pm
Love your photos, and all the cool info you provide for those of us still learning!! Thanks for sharing!!! Trudy
28 March 2008 at 12:46 am
What a pretty thing; sparrows are my biggest blunders… 🙂 Keep them coming! I need the help!
28 March 2008 at 4:02 am
They are leaving our area now, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one here, BUT…. last night, around 6:30, I was outside and swore I heard a “peent” or two. I froze and listened more closely, but could never really isolate where it was coming from. Your video finally clued me in on that elusive Woodcock.
28 March 2008 at 6:35 am
perfect timing – a friend just asked a question about fox sparrow ID and I sent her this link.
28 March 2008 at 7:01 am
The Fox sparrows are just winter visitors here, and I’m pouting because none visited me this year…
But we’re lucky enough to have the Phoebes here all year!
28 March 2008 at 7:21 am
Your Fox Sparrow must have come from our house. We had 8 of them a couple of weeks ago but now just 2. Phoebes have been here for a couple of weeks –just wondering where they will put their nest this year.
28 March 2008 at 9:04 am
Bird singing in you head, and you are not sure if they are real… Sounds familiar 😉
28 March 2008 at 10:30 am
Our sparrows are so dirty brown and gray; your is such a pretty mix.
BTW, Tom. I am so curious. You and your checks… How many different birds might you see in a year, and how many checks do you have so far.
I do the same with wildflowers, but my checks season hasn’t begun quite yet! 🙂 We are really late this year.
28 March 2008 at 11:11 am
@ Chicago – Thanks and I hope they Phoebe does show up soon!
@ Nita – thanks and the fox sparrow does have a pretty song!
@ Linda – They do have a great song! Snow, yep we got it!
@ Trudy – thanks and glad you enjoyed!
@ aullori – Sparrows are little brown jobs! Thanks
@ Jayne – Glad you enjoyed the woodcock video! Thanks
@ Wren – Thanks and hope this helps her!
@ Rurality – We only have them for a few weeks and wish they were around longer!
@ Joan – Thanks and maybe it did? Phoebes will find a great place for the nest! I am sure of it!
@ Mel – LOL, I wish I had heard it one more time to confirm what I thought I had heard!
@ Barbara – I will have to add up this years finds but here is a link to show you some of the past few years reports from my checks https://monarchbfly.com/?s=2007+checklist&searchsubmit=Find+%C2%BB
28 March 2008 at 12:17 pm
We’ve actually had a Phoebe singing in our neighborhood for a couple of weeks now. Their song is so distinctive ! I was hoping that they brought spring with them but I’m sure they’re wishing they had stayed south a little longer!
28 March 2008 at 12:55 pm
Congrats! What a lovely little sparrow. I’m sure the phoebe will show up soon. 🙂
28 March 2008 at 1:05 pm
Man, this stinks: I was finally ready for some warm, spring weather and it SNOWS!!!??? What is this?!
28 March 2008 at 5:53 pm
Beautiful! Love the markings! I sure am having quite the time photographing birds here in the desert..perhaps I need feeders to lure them close.
I have a month left for opportunities. Today
I did capture another and posted!! sunkissed NG
28 March 2008 at 7:04 pm
Great shots! The fox sparrows have been in my yard for about two weeks, now. I’ve been hearing “fee-beee” all week as well–still no Phoebe in sight!
28 March 2008 at 7:30 pm
Saw my first one this morning at the feeders up here in Lockport. Spring is starting to heat up!
29 March 2008 at 8:27 am
Well, now the weather is looking up, some flowers have even begun to poke out of the ground. Perhaps we will be able to see some more of spring soon.
29 March 2008 at 3:16 pm
We just went out to dinner at a restaurant down by the outlet of Chautauqua Lake. When we came out, I saw a Phoebe on the powerline! Yeah!
29 March 2008 at 7:05 pm
@ Sherri – How great and we thought we almost had one today also! Sneaky little things!
@ Lana – Thanks and I sure hope the phoebe waits till the snow melts! I think this week sometime!
@ Scienceguy – I can’t wait for spring to arrive ! Tell me about it!
@ Naturegirl – Has to be fun being in the desert and can’t wait to see what else you are able to photograph!
@ Bird Girl – thanks and can’t wait to hear that fee-beee call again each morning!
@ Jeremy – How great and the sun is getting hotter and hotter each day! Thanks
@ Science guy – I hope so and thanks for commenting twice on this!
@ Jen – how cool and I know it’s only a matter of time till I officially see my phoebe! Thanks
29 March 2008 at 10:58 pm
I love the coloration of the Fox Sparrow. Still waiting for my first of season.
30 March 2008 at 10:08 pm
Whyyyyyy? I have not seen a Fox Sparrow yet! They are here, though, because others have found them. Jennie (Veery) saw an Eastern Towhee last week at NIU, but I am still waiting on them as well!
Good birding to you ! ! My favorite thing about Fox Sparrows is their song.
31 March 2008 at 9:29 am
@ Zen – Thanks and they do have great colors!
@ Birdfreak – Get out and look for them . . they should be showing up here soon! Although, mid to early April is the peak of them for me in this area!
31 March 2008 at 7:47 pm
Oh I love Fox Sparrows! I haven’t seen one yet-or a Phoebe-send em up here would ya?
1 April 2008 at 4:31 am
I saw them between Fall and now but I don’t think I saw any in March.-I can’t figure them out.
3 April 2008 at 8:59 pm