sparrow

Birds of an unusual feather

Birds of an unusual feather

Leucism is a condition caused by a genetic mutation that results in the loss of all types of pigmentation—the affected areas can be either entirely white or a pale, washed out shade of the expected coloration.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

At Fair Meadows Sanctuary, the Swamp Sparrow is a common migrant and summer resident. The occasional winter birds that I have seen are invariably found feeding on invertebrates in the shallows of a pond that has year-round open water due to brisk upwelling from underground springs.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

Sparrows in the prairies

Sparrows in the prairies

As summer progresses, the sounds of insects begin to fill the void created by the waning of the calls of our resident birds, but there is still lots of avian activity at Fair Meadows. In late summer I look forward to the arrival of migrating sparrows.

Photo by Gary Shackelford

White-crowned Sparrow: The bird of many songs

White-crowned Sparrow: The bird of many songs

Despite their difficult-to-describe song, White-crowned Sparrows are one of easier sparrows to identify by sight. As their name suggests, these sparrows sport crisp white stripes on the crowns of their heads.

Photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

Clay-colored Sparrow

Clay-colored Sparrow

I’m at Goose Pond Sanctuary, and I hear a buzzing noise. Is it a bumblebee? No! Is it an insect? No! It’s the Clay-colored Sparrow calling! Their call is drawn-out and repetitive, sounding similar to a buzzy insect.

Photo by Kelly Colgan Azar