[birding] Still more White-throated Sparrows in E.E. Wilson, late notice on Trumpeter Swans

[Joel Geier]

Hello folks,

A walk around the south part of E. E. Wilson Wildlife Area in this
morning's drizzle yielded yet another cluster of WHITE-THROATED
SPARROWS, but surprisingly no other Zonotrichia sparrows except for
GOLDEN-CROWNED SPARROWS, considering how many of the latter were feeding
out in the open. I looked at about 80 to 100 Golden-crowned Sparrows
pretty carefully but these seemed to be pure flocks.

The White-throated Sparrows are in a location where I've previously seen
one or perhaps two this winter, but today there were three (two white
morphs and one tan-striped morph or immature). 

The spot can be reached by starting from the Frontage Rd. access north
of Adair Village, and walking east on the road/path that leads directly
from the gate, about 1/2 mile until you come to the boundary of the
public land. There are also quite a few Golden-crowned Sparrows and
PURPLE FINCHES here. The finches were feeding on Oregon ash seeds which
are still on the trees.

One large GULL flew over, headed toward the landfill, but I wasn't able 
to identify it in the mist. A pair of AMERICAN WIGEON were on the pond,
surprisingly the only ones I've seen in the neighborhood recently.

Happy birding,
Joel

P.S. Sorry I forgot to mention this, but as of last Friday a flock of 
about 90 swans along Airlie Rd. near Berry Creek Rd. contained at least 
14 TRUMPETER SWANS. Some were certainly TUNDRA SWANS but I wasn't able
to identify most due to distance from the road, and being in a hurry at
the time. Trumpeters usually leave our area around the end of February,
so now is the time to enjoy these birds.

--
Joel Geier
Camp Adair north of Corvallis