Is Your Eye on the Sparrow(s)?

As springtime continues to make its appearance we'll be seeing and hearing a bewildering array of songbirds. Some are passing through - racing to their breeding grounds in the boreal forest of Canada or perhaps the arctic tundra. Others will be staying, finding a mate, raising their young. Sparrows will be a a vital part of this unfolding scene.

One of the most common sparrows in our world is the Song Sparrow. Song sparrows can be found just about everywhere. In fact, there are some 24 different subspecies of Song Sparrow in North America. As you might guess, there are a host of variations in their song repertoire. Take a listen by following the hyperlink.

Song Sparrow photographed in Lincoln County today

Another sparrow in Washington state is not so common. The Sagebrush Sparrow can be found where undisturbed expanses of sagebrush occur in the arid Columbia Basin. Those formerly undisturbed expanses have shrunk due to farming, development and catastrophic wildfires. This bird is a little hard to find. They depend upon sagebrush for their entire existence. The Sagebrush Songbird Survey is a collaborative citizen science effort between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Audubon Society. Volunteer birders are trained on locating designated point count sites using handheld GPS devices and recording  their observations on special forms.

Sagebrush County - Douglas County, WA

Sagebrush Sparrow - Douglas County, WA

Vesper Sparrow - Douglas County, WA

Volunteering for citizen science activities is a great opportunity to expand a birders life list and contribute to the understanding of bird populations. These efforts are also a great way to meet other birders and share experiences, learn and have some great outdoor fun!

Sagebrush Songbird Survey Training - Douglas County, WA

Other citizen science efforts include the following:

• Making regular eBird entries of your birding trips
• Participating in your local Christmas Bird Count events -you'll be hearing a lot about the Colville and Chewelah CBC's in coming months
• The Breeding Bird Survey is an intensive citizen science effort that challenges even experienced birders

This short list is not all-inclusive but gives you an idea of what us regular birders can do to help scientists and decision-makers by adding to the depth of knowledge and understanding of wild birds. So, get out there. Record your sightings and join your local Christmas Bird Count group!

Good Birding,
                          - Hawkeye