Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: cathief on October 31, 2014, 09:41:53 AM

Title: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cathief on October 31, 2014, 09:41:53 AM: I am very excited to report that I also had a Fox Sparrow in my backyard last evening, about 6:30pm. It was dark enough that I couldn't get a good picture but the pictures that I took were clear enough for me to identify it. The manner of foraging confirmed the species by my guide books.
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on October 31, 2014, 10:51:20 AM: Halloween is peak season in my backyard for Fox Sparrows and sure enough, as I type I have three of them below my feeder. I also have 6 Chipping Sparrows this morning.

Keep an eye out for Eastern Towhees. In my garden they usually show up with the Fox Sparrows. I have had a lot of towhees this year, but none today (yet). Also had 4 Hermit Thrushes this morning poking around where I transplanted a shrub yesterday.
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: Dinusaur on October 31, 2014, 08:13:05 PM: Thanks for the suggestions - I'll look for them at the backyard.
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 02, 2014, 10:34:00 AM: I think the Fox Sparrow migration through my backyard peaked yesterday. I estimate there were 10 to 15 of them with 7 at a time feeding on the seed I threw down for them. They ate voraciously. I guess they were fueling up to continue their journey. Only a couple of stragglers left behind this morning. A few chipping sparrows still linger.

Here's a video of a couple of them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHZGuJXXRGw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHZGuJXXRGw)
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 08, 2014, 10:04:59 AM: I am still getting Fox Sparrows in my backyard here in Brampton. Last year it was November 12 before they disappeared.
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 14, 2014, 07:56:46 PM: November 14 and Fox Sparrow(s) continue in my garden.
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 17, 2014, 05:40:02 PM: November 17 and Fox Sparrow is still visiting me. Excavating the snow. Poor light for photography but still here. The latest Fox Sparrow ever. Caught in mid-scratch.

(http://i58.tinypic.com/n3lsad.jpg)
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cathief on November 19, 2014, 03:23:28 PM: Beautiful...
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 19, 2014, 07:03:04 PM: November 19. In the nasty cold and snow the Fox Sparrow is still here. It's the boss among the White-throated Sparrows that are always around it. It will be interesting to see how much longer it stays. Maybe it heard about what's going on in Buffalo and has decided to chill here until that is over with?
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: Reuven_M on November 19, 2014, 08:11:35 PM: They do stick around all winter occasionally - maybe you'll get lucky!
Title: Re: Another backyard Fox Sparrow
Post by: cairnstone on November 24, 2014, 11:18:04 AM: Fox Sparrow last seen Friday, November 21. It's gone, but that's 9 days later than I have ever had one before in the backyard.