Sparrows Sparrows Everywhere

When Mr Chipping Sparrow arrived in my yard in late March it was a first. By that I mean my first conscious effort to identify a sparrow as something beyond my previous notion that sparrows were brown little non-descript birds hardly worthy of notice. I noticed him, realized how striking he was and looked forward to the spring migration where I could identify as many sparrows types as possible. Chipping Sparrow with friend Indigo Bunting

Later Mr Science (Gary), introduced me to Fox Sparrows. Bold and Bright, they were everywhere in his farmyard. We hiked down the trail below his house and soon spotted White-Throated Sparrows, then Tree, Field and Song Sparrows.

Fox Sparrow

White Throated Sparrow

Song Sparrow

Tree Sparrow and Junco

Harris Sparrow

As few weeks ago I was invited to join Top Minnesota Birders John Hockema and Ranger Alex from Forestville State Park to check out the rare, in Minnesota, Henslow Sparrows nesting in the Hvoslev Wildlife Management Area.

Henslow Sparrow photo by Ranger Alex Watson

There are at least 35 bird species of sparrows in North America. Species of these birds can generally be located in five areas of North America. There are 15 species of sparrows, that can be found in most areas of North America, some more abundant and widespread than others. These are the American Tree Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, Clay-colored Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Harris's Sparrow, Le Conte's Sparrow, Lincoln’s Sparrow, Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Swamp Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow and the House Sparrow, which is now a common bird, first introduced to a New York City Central Park around 1850.

What an interesting and colorfull collection they make. Coming in a variety of shades and colors they can be found in many differents habitats. A world of birds unto their own. I can see I have my work cut out for me!