Chippy-In-The-Wet Woods Question

[rickeckley]

Gloomy afternoon, Thursday April 3, I had my first jaunt into the wet woods this spring.  It’s such a playground that gnarled sanctuary!  Not too many species, but bird numbers were plentiful and it just felt great to be back for migration.  No Leon sightings despite my concerted efforts, but the Ravens were still busy nesting and such and had to fend off both a Peregrine and a Coopers while they were at it.  I believe I saw a Chipping Sparrow – red-brown cap and all - but I’m not sure if it’s too early for new arrivals or for wintering individuals to be sporting spring plumage yet.  Another possibility would be a tree sparrow which I see far more often in the winter and early spring, but no bi-coloured bill on this guy.  Are Chippy’s in their spring bonnets this early?  Song Sparrow and Mockingbird also made fleeting appearances to round out a slow but very enjoyable outing.  I hope to see y’all soon.

Rick

[mr.sharp-photo]

Gloomy afternoon, Thursday April 3, I had my first jaunt into the wet woods this spring.  It’s such a playground that gnarled sanctuary!  Not too many species, but bird numbers were plentiful and it just felt great to be back for migration.  No Leon sightings despite my concerted efforts, but the Ravens were still busy nesting and such and had to fend off both a Peregrine and a Coopers while they were at it.  I believe I saw a Chipping Sparrow – red-brown cap and all - but I’m not sure if it’s too early for new arrivals or for wintering individuals to be sporting spring plumage yet.  Another possibility would be a tree sparrow which I see far more often in the winter and early spring, but no bi-coloured bill on this guy.  Are Chippy’s in their spring bonnets this early?  Song Sparrow and Mockingbird also made fleeting appearances to round out a slow but very enjoyable outing.  I hope to see y’all soon.

Rick

we saw song and tree sparrows.
i'm not the sparrow dude, so can't answer that question for you.

[Rotarran]

What is a Leon sighting?

[Trillian Flummox]

@Rick:  My last visit there were still a lot of Tree Sparrows throughout the baselands. Chipping Sparrows traditionally arrive mid-April, so with many migrants being delayed this year, it's an unlikely occurrence this week - but hey, in the Wet Woods you just never know what you'll find! Also, there are a few reports of Chipping Sparrows on eBird not too far away from the GTA so I guess you shouldn't really rule out your i.d. just yet.  Hope to see you somewhere soon.

@Elias:  Oh how to describe our beloved Leon?  How 'bout an "elder statesman" of the everyday birder? Not a prominent member of any fancy clubs, but a life long birder and butterfly lover, well into his late 80's, who probably logs more hours in the field than any other birder I know. A great source of birding wisdom. As spring migration heats up, you can find him in the Wet Woods most mornings before he changes gears and heads elsewhere to look for butterflies. Our light-hearted notion of a "Leon Sighting" is really an expression of relief for his well-being whenever someone bumps into him for the first time in awhile.

-kris

[Rotarran]

Ok cool..thanks for the explanation.  

[rickeckley]

Yes, sighting Leon is indeed about being reassured of his well being, but it's also about my well being.  He is as gnarled (and I say that with the greatest admiration and respect), generous, and fun to be around as the Wet Woods themselves.  A Leon sighting is like the first Rose-Breasted Grosbeak you see each spring - not unexpected and not uncommon, but still takes your breath away.  Yes, Kris, elder statesman is a good description.  I see him as everything a Canadian Senator SHOULD be and he was the sober second thought I needed on many of my ID's last spring.