Harris’s Sparrow

Dunlin + Harris’s Sparrow

With another Sharp-tailed Sandpiper being spotted at Reifel a couple of days ago, that was today’s destination. A break in the weather made for a nice afternoon walk. There was no sign of it on checking the southwest field where it had been sighted. From there I checked the west field, also with negative results.

The west field did, however, have lots of Dunlin and dowitchers.

I focussed in on this one Dunlin,

… while it rested and then preened itself.

While not what I was initially after, the Dunlin did provide some good photo opportunities.

A Northern Goshawk was apparently seen this morning, but I did not see it in my travels this afternoon.

The Harris’s Sparrow was still present today in the same area along the north dyke trial. A great afternoon to be out and about before the expected rain tomorrow.

It was sort of a mixed bag weather wise this afternoon while helping out at Reifel. Overcast, some rain and the occasional bright spot. In spite of this there was still a half decent number of visitors. Target bird today was a Harris’s Sparrow that was observed yesterday.

I made my way out the east dyke trail to the northeast corner where it had been spotted. This actually allows a good view along both the east and north dyke trails. Spent a little time chatting with some other birders looking for the bird, but there was just the regulars at the corner. Not long after they left I noted lots of activity along the north dyke trail closer to the tower. As I got a little closer I spotted the Harris’s Sparrow on the ground. It, along with the other birds, got flushed back into the bushes when people passed by. I stopped and set up once I got to the general area. There was a lull in people along the trail,

… and the Harris’s Sparrow eventually made an appearance again. One just has to be patient and wait for those quiet moments along the trail,

… as the birds will reappear. The Harris’s Sparrow was very cooperative and provided good viewing and photo opportunities. Definitely the bright spot on a mostly dreary afternoon.

Swamp & Harris’s Sparrows

Despite being an overcast and drizzly day I made my way out to Reifel this afternoon. While no longer a nemesis bird, I would still like to get some pictures of the Swamp Sparrow again this year. It did not take too long after arriving in the tower area to get my first fleeting glimpse, but then nothing. I thought to myself again that would probably be it,

… but some time later one of the Swamp Sparrows popped up.

It was feeding on the seeds atop the tall grass.

It was some distance away and the light was poor, but it was good to finally get some good looks and pictures of it for this winter. Bonus bird of the day,

… was the Harris’s Sparrow on the way out with the last of the light.