Clay-colored Sparrow

                                                Clay-colored Sparrow   [Marbeth Wilson Photo]

The Clay-colored Sparrow (Spizella pallida) was listed in 2004 as a very rare visitor from spring through fall and casual in winter.  It was first confirmed from Grand Manan in September, 1973.  It was found almost annually in the fall after that (Birds or New Brunswick:  An Annotated List. 2004).  This species has been seen more regularly since 2004.  It is not unusual at all to see it in all seasons.  To my knowledge we have not yet had a breeding record but according to the above reference, males have been found on territory in June and July in old fields in various locations about the province.  

The Clay-colored Sparrow is a small, slim sparrow with a long, notched tail, unstreaked breast, buffy brown ear coverts, a broad white supercilium and a whitish median crown stripe.  Before this past year the only other sparrow species we had to differentiate it from was the winter and juvenile Chipping Sparrow.  Chipping Sparrows are darker on the back with chestnut tones rather than buff and tan.  The Chipping Sparrow's face is more strongly marked with a dark line that extends from the eye to the beak.  The Chipping Sparrow does not usually have the white supercilium  and the moustachial line of the Clay-colored Sparrow.  The breast of the Chipping Sparrow is usually gray and not buff as in the Clay-colored.  For a quick reference in the field, look for the presence or absence of the dark line from the eye to the bill.  

Since 2023 we now have to distinguish the Clay-colored Sparrow from the Brewer's Sparrow.  The Brewer's Sparrow that showed up at a feeder in Quispamsis gave us a lesson in distinguishing the two species, a difficult lesson it was.  The Brewer's Sparrow is very similar to the Clay-colored Sparrow but can be differentiated by the Clay-colored showing a white central crown stripe, a gray nape, and distinct dark borders to its cheek patches as well as dark whiskers.  We will leave the rest to the experts!

Given that the Clay-colored Sparrow hybridizes with the Chipping and Brewer's Sparrows, identification could be difficult.  Presumably, however, this would be a rare occurrence.

                                             Clay-colored Sparrow   [Marbeth Wilson Photo]

The Clay-colored Sparrow is 12-14 cm long, the same size approximately as the Chipping Sparrow.  The ones I have seen have been in the fall and their plumage looks very faded.  Note all the gray, buff and light brown in the plumage.  The way I have found the ones I have been lucky enough to see is by their song.  It is a series of 2 to 8 short, low-pitched loud buzzes.  They remind you of a loud insect, buzz buzz buzz.  If you hear a buzzing sound that seems to be a bird, take special care to find it because it is likely to be rare.  

Clay-colored Sparrows prefer uncultivated, bushy areas with bushes interspersed with grassy areas.  The breeding range of this species includes most of northern US and all of Canada east of the Rockies to the St. Lawrence River, north to northern Ontario, the northern prairies, and into Yukon and Northwest Territories.  In the fall they migrate in flocks to southern Texas and Mexico.

During breeding season the males are persistent singers and even sing at night.  The nest is built in a bush or clump of weeds up to 2 m. off the ground.  Three to five blue-green eggs are laid in a cup-shaped nest built from hair and fine grasses.  Incubation lasts 10-12 days and the male assists the female in this duty.  The diet of Clay-colored Sparrows is seeds and insects which they forage from the ground and low trees.  

The ploughing of prairie land has diminished the population of Clay-colored Sparrows.  The species has, however, extended its range to the northeast.  That may be what we are seeing or we are seeing the effects of global warming with more records of this species being seen in NB.  According to a scientific model devised by Audubon scientists, global warming will have dire effects on Clay-colored Sparrows (and many other species).  A 1.5ºC increase will decrease the Clay-colored Sparrow habitat collectively by 14%; a 2ºC increase will cause a 25% habitat loss and a 3ºC increase will cause a 51% habitat loss.  Wow, we have a lot of trouble looming on the horizon!

I am happy we can occasionally see a Clay-colored Sparrow in NB.  With diligence in summer or with success at feeders in late fall or winter, we can add this beautiful species to our lists.  It is not enough to just admire and list this species.  We need to be advocates against global warming and severe ecological changes so our vulnerable birds can survive.

Tennessee Warbler

                                                    Tennessee Warbler Male  [Internet Photo]

The Tennessee Warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina, is a common summer resident and migrant in New Brunswick.  It is an indicator species for spruce budworm since it feeds heavily on forest insects.  In past years during our budworm outbreaks it was very common here.  Although not in such high numbers it is still found here during its breeding season and those that breed north of here pass through during migration.

The Tennessee Warbler is rather inconspicuous compared to some of our other common warbler species in breeding plumage.  It shows no brilliant oranges, blacks or reds.  It is, however, a very beautiful, sleek warbler.  It is small (12 cm), sharp-billed, short-tailed, and has a long wing primary projection.  Of special note for identification is its lack of streaking on the breast and flanks, the prominent supercilium and white undertail coverts.  Occasionally the undertail coverts can be tinged with yellow but they are still whiter than the breast.

The male in breeding plumage is shown above.  It has bright yellow-green upperparts with a greyish crown and nape.  Note the white supercilium and black eye stripe.  The underparts are white including the undertail coverts. 

The breeding female plumage shows a more yellowish wash over most of the bird.  This makes her appear duller and the crown and nape are not as contrasting.  The yellow shows on the breast and flanks but the undertail coverts are still white.  The supercilium is often yellow and the black eyeline is still prominent.

Warblers can often be difficult to distinguish from one another.  Tennessee warblers can be confused with some vireos, especially Philadelphia and Warbling vireos.  These can be differentiated by their thicker bills which have a hook on the end.  Fall individuals can be confused with Orange-crowned warblers.  Tennessee warblers usually migrate earlier from our area so the date can help in identification.  The best way to tell one from the other is to check the head pattern, the underparts and the shape.  

The fall Tennessee warbler shows a long whitish or yellowish supercilium with a dusky eyeline.  The Orange-crowned shows a short indistinct yellowish supercilium and a narrow whitish or yellowish split eyering.  Regarding the underparts, the Tennessee warbler is dull whitish or yellowish and unstreaked with white undertail coverts.  The Orange-crowned has dull yellowish underparts and sometimes shows faint olive streaks.  It shows bright yellow undertail coverts which are always brighter than the rest of the underparts.  The Tennessee has a shorter tail and a longer primary projection.  Some confusion may arise in distinguishing the juvenile Tennessee warbler from the juvenile Nashville warbler.  The Nashville has yellow undertail coverts, a gray head and no wing bars which should make differentiation easy (the juvenile Tennessee warbler shows faint wing bars).

                                    Tennessee Warbler Male  [Jim Carroll Photo]

In the photo above note the grayish wash on the white breast of this male, the relatively short tail and the narrow sharp bill.

The breeding range of the Tennessee warbler is most of Canada except British Columbia west of the Rocky Mountains, and the extreme north.  It does, however, include some of Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and northern Quebec and Labrador.  This is truly a Canadian species!  The Tennessee warbler winters from southern Mexico to Venezuela.  Most migrate south over the eastern US and the Gulf of Mexico.  

The preferred habitat of this species on the breeding territory is mixed and boreal forests and bogs.  On the wintering grounds it prefers coffee plantations (a big reminder to buy bird-friendly coffee).  The Tennessee warbler loves our boreal forest.  It contributes greatly to the control of forest insect damage.  One study estimated that some areas during a spruce budworm outbreak could have up to 610 breeding pairs per square kilometre.

This species nests on the ground usually in grassy tussocks, under bushes or in a mossy hillock.  The nest is made of fine grasses and in it are laid 4 to 7 creamy white eggs spotted and blotched with brown.  The female incubates the eggs for 11 to 12 days.  Tennessee warblers eat all forms of insects and arachnids but also sumac seeds and poison ivy berries.  In the past this species was frowned upon for the destruction that it allegedly did to vineyards.  Further study showed that the birds were actually piercing the grapes and drinking the juice.  They were getting a drink, not intentionally destroying the grapes.

So why is this beautiful warbler species named the Tennessee warbler (unless that is another one designated to be changed)?  The naming goes back to 1832 when Alexander Wilson discovered the species on the banks of the Cumberland River in Tennessee and named it thus.  But, it is inappropriate for a bird to be named after a state when its main breeding range is in Canada!  Wilson obtained only two specimens and thus concluded it was a rare warbler.  Hence he gave it the specific name peregrina which comes from the Latin word, peregrinus, meaning 'wanderer'.  Another appropriate name for the Tennessee warbler might be 'Coffee Warbler' since it spends its winters in coffee plantations.  I vote for 'Canadian Boreal Warbler'.  Another interesting fact is that the breeding range for this species was not known until 1901 when they were discovered breeding in Canada.  Where were our enthusiastic birders then?

                                        Tennessee Warbler Male  [Jim Carroll Photo]

Warblers are often identified by their voices.  The Tennessee warbler's song is usually in three parts sometimes two parts.  The song is rapid, loud and described as unmusical.  It has been described in many ways but one is:  tit it it it it it pita pita pita pita pita chit chit chit CHIT.  It can be confused with the song of the Chipping Sparrow.  In my experience I found that when you hear the 3 parts to the song you have learned it and will recognize it in the future.  

The Tennessee Warbler is a plain, little warbler but when you learn how important it is to the ecosystems of New Brunswick and Canada, it moves well up on the list of our favourite birds.  We will be looking forward to seeing it when late April and May arrive.  Check our mixed forests, our boreal forests and our bogs for this little gem.  

Bell's Vireo

 

                                                        Bell's Vireo    [Photo by Mark Morse]

A Bell's Vireo was seen and photographed on October 2, 2023 by Mark Morse, previously found by Karen Miller across from the Anchorage Road on Grand Manan.  This is a significant event because it is the first record of this species for New Brunswick.  The photos above and below in this post were taken by Mark Morse.  Birds of New Brunswick: An Annotated List lists six vireos found in New Brunswick and, of course,  Bell's Vireo is not one of them.  The story of its discovery follows.

Sometime in September Jim Wilson and his birding friends were discussing vireos and commented that we were overdue for a rare vireo.  Specifically they were thinking about Bell's Vireo and Cassin's Vireo.  If Maine and Nova Scotia have had autumn records of these species over the years, why not us?  Well, fate would have its way.

On September 28, 2023, a vireo was seen on Grand Manan by Karen Miller which was not easy to identify.  She thought at first it was a Blue-headed Vireo and thus did not report it since that species is common.  She saw it again over the weekend and then thought that it might be a juvenile White-eyed Vireo.  That was when Mark Morse decided to get some photographs for identification.  We are thankful they were able to get them!  The bird was identified as a Bell's Vireo.

                                                   Bell's Vireo   [Photo by Mark Morse]

So what is a vireo that is supposed to be in the southwestern US doing in New Brunswick?  The range of this species is expanding but we are way off its normal range.  The Bell's Vireo's normal breeding range includes southern California, Colorado, the Dakotas and Indiana southward.  It is not found at all in the eastern third of the US.  It winters along the Pacific coast from northern Mexico south to northern Nicaragua.  Its preferred habitat is thickets in forests and along streams.  It also likes woodland edges and overgrown fields.

                                                   Bell's Vireo   [Photo by Mark Morse]

The Bell's Vireo is a small vireo, 12 cm long, compared to the Blue-headed Vireo which is 13 cm long and the Red-eyed Vireo which is 15 cm.  The plumage varies geographically, the eastern population being yellower and the western population grayer.  Two indistinct wing bars are present, the upper one sometimes very indistinct.  The white spectacles and lores are also sometimes indistinct.  Both of these features are seen in the photos above.  Notice that the eyering is broken.  The bill is thick and slightly flattened.  The bird's upper parts are green to gray and the underparts are white with a wash of pale yellow on the sides.  The Eastern race has more gray-green on the upper parts and distinctly yellow on the underparts.  The bird flicks and bobs its tail frequently.  Both genders are similar.  

                                                   Bell's Vireo   [Photo by Mark Morse]

The photo above gives a clear view of the gray-green on the dorsum.  Notice the gray head.  The Bell's Vireo is a very active species.  It feeds low to the ground in dense underbrush.  It eats insects, spiders and fruit.  Given the indistinct plumage features, this species can be difficult to identify.  Its song, however, is the way it is mostly identified.  The song is distinctive among vireos.  It is described as rapid, complex, harsh, squeaky, sharp.  We, here in NB, have not heard this species but would quickly learn it.  Given that the bird prefers dense thickets and is reluctant to show itself, the song is the best way to identify it.  

Karen has already told us what species we might mistake this one for, Blue-headed Vireo and White-eyed Vireo.  In the west one would have to distinguish it from the Hutton's Vireo and the Gray Vireo. The Bell's Vireo was named by John James Audubon after John Graham Bell (a taxidermist from Tappan, NY) who was with him on a trip up the Missouri River in the 1840s.  The Least Bell's Vireo is an endangered subspecies in southern California and is endangered due to habitat loss and parasitism by the Brown-headed Cowbird.

Bell's Vireos nest in dense shrubbery often along streams.  The nest is well camouflaged and made from grasses, leaves, bark and spider webs.  It is lined with fine grasses, coarse hairs, feathers and wool.  Brown-headed Cowbirds often parasitize the nests of this species throughout most of its range.  Three to five white eggs are laid and incubated for 14 days by both adults. 

                                                   Bell's Vireo   [Photo by Mark Morse]

We are unlikely to see a Bell's Vireo nest here in NB but the appearance of this individual will make us all look more closely at vireos in the future.  It has been a learning experience for all serious birders.  Thanks go to Karen and Mark!

Hammond's Flycatcher Found in New Brunswick

                                            Hammond's Flycatcher    [Jim Carroll Photo]

What are the chances of seeing a small western flycatcher in New Brunswick?  The chances are very slim especially for an Empidonax flycatcher, as shown in the statistics from eBird.  The Hammond's Flycatcher is not even mentioned in Birds of New Brunswick:  An Annotated List.  We have had many western flycatchers seen over the years here including: Say's Phoebe, Ash-throated Flycatcher, Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher, Western Kingbird, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, and Fork-tailed Flycatcher.  Some of these species have been seen here this year.  But not a Hammond's Flycatcher Empidonax hammondii.  According to eBird, a Hammond's Flycatcher was seen and photographed on 13 November 2016 at Alma, Fundy National Park by Gilles Belliveau.  I think one other was seen or listed as 'possible' by Jim Wilson around 2016-2017.  There was no photo to confirm that sighting.  

Nova Scotia has had two confirmed sightings.  One was in 2013 where a Hammond's Flycatcher was banded on Bon Portage Island by David Bell.  The second was in 2019 reported by Phil Taylor and seen and photographed at Acadia University.

The Hammond's Flycatcher is a small Empidonax flycatcher.  It is 14 cm. long,  just slightly larger than our Least Flycatcher which is commonly found here.  It is tricky to identify these Empidonax flycatchers.  There was a time in birding when they were all called just 'Empidonax' flycatchers because they are difficult to identify in the field.  

The second confirmed New Brunswick sighting is the subject of this blog post.  The individual reported here was seen and photographed by Jim Carroll on September 22,  2023 at Black River, Saint John County, NB.  Black River is on the Fundy coast, on Route 825, east of Saint John and southeast of Garnett Settlement.  It was seen near the Community Centre in Black River.  It is fortunate the bird was seen by an experienced birder and photographer or it would not have been recognized.  Jim Carroll is from the 'new school' of birders who view the bird with a camera first and binoculars later.  He had about 5 seconds with this bird!  Fortunately, he did get good photos as seen in this post (with his permission).  For such a rare species a photo is the only way we can confirm its presence.  The photos were taken with a D500 Nikon camera with a 200 to 500 mm. lens.  In Jim's words, "Photo first and ask questions later!"  

                                              Hammond's Flycatcher    [Jim Carroll Photo]

Jim was not sure what he saw on his camera at first.  He sent it first to Merlin, the bird indentification digital app put out by Cornell Ornithological Laboratories.  At first Merlin responded that it did not recognize that species.  He posted it on our birding chat line and one of our top birders responded that it was 'possible' to see it here.  He then returned to Merlin  and posted a hypothetical location from out west and it answered with 'Hammond's Flycatcher'.  This gave him the route to checking the key identification features and tentatively confirmed it as a Hammond's Flycatcher.  Further work with the photos, other experts confirmed the sighting as a Hammond's Flycatcher.  As of this writing, the bird has not been seen again.

Let's look at the life history of this rare species for in this area.  The Hammond's Flycatcher belongs to the family Tyrannidae.  It is a small insectivorous bird that normally inhabits coniferous and mixed forests in the western part of North America.  It was named after William Alexander Hammond who, in the 1800s,  was an army surgeon who birded in his spare time and collected birds for the Smithsonian Institution.  The normal breeding range of this species is in the west from northern California northward to Yukon and Alaska.  It winters in Mexico and the Tropics.  

The Hammond's Flycatcher has grayish-olive upperparts, darker on the wings and tail.  It has a white eyering  which expands behind the eye.  There are pale white wing bars and the wings show a long primary projection.  It has a short, very narrow bill with a mostly dark lower mandible. The head and throat are grayish and there is usually a gray or olive wash on the breast and sides.  The belly is yellow.  Fall birds often are more olive above and on the sides and breast and the yellow below is brighter.

What species do we need to distinguish this one from?  If we were out west we would have to determine if it was a Dusky Flycatcher or a Gray Flycatcher.  We would not normally have to think about that here but we must consider them.  The Hammond's pip call eliminates the Dusky Flycatcher but Jim was not able to hear it.  The Dusky Flycatcher has a short primary projection and its bill is longer and wider than the Hammond's.  The same features eliminate the Gray Flycatcher as well and also the Gray Flycatcher flicks its tail which would help identify it.  

In New Brunswick the Hammond's Flycatcher would have to be differentiated from the Least Flycatcher.  The Least Flycatcher has a larger, more triangular bill that is pale in colour.  The Least has pale underparts and also has a shorter primary projection and contrasting dark wings with prominent wing bars.  

                                              Hammond's Flycatcher    [Jim Carroll Photo]

If you examine the photos above you can see all the identifying features of the Hammond's Flycatcher.  Note on the photo immediately above one can even see the wash of light gray on the sides.  The yellow belly is seen in all 3 photos.  The top photo shows how the eyering expands behind the eye.  The small dark bill  with a dark lower mandible and long primary wing projection are very easily seen.  The bird appears large-headed which is another descriptor for the species.  

The Hammond's, the Dusky and the Gray Flycatchers are considered sister species with no evidence of interbreeding.  The Hammond's Flycatcher itself does not show a lot of genetic variation.  Its plumage and its morphology are consistent across its range.  Scientists believe this is because the species was confined to an area below the ice during the Pleistocene Age.  

Hammond's Flycatchers do not sing during fall migration nor on the wintering grounds.  At those times one would only hear the pip call note.  Male Hammond's Flycatchers are feisty during breeding season and can be seen physically fighting, often locked together in mid-air and fluttering to the ground.  The Hammond's Flycatcher nests high up in tall trees and they prefer old growth forest.  The cup-shaped nest is in the fork of a branch and 3 to 4 creamy white eggs are laid.  The female incubates the eggs and both adults feed the young.  

We are thankful that this special Hammond's Flycatcher was seen by a sharp birder/photographer who was able to 'capture' identifying photos in the short 5 seconds the bird was able to be seen.  Many thanks to Jim Carroll!  It is a good exercise in flycatcher identification.  

Common Loon Mortality

                                                                       Common Loon 

The population of Common Loons in Canada has declined over recent years.  In this post I will discuss a relatively recent case of loon mortality, followed by a general discussion.

The loon family, Graviidae, is one of the oldest avian families.  We in Canada are proud of our loons and consider them as symbols of the wonderful wilderness which is one our our treasured resources.  We think enough of this species to immortalize it on our coinage.  Loons breed on our northern lakes and we are all delighted to hear their calls and yodelling as they feed and raise their young.  They winter off our ocean shores and southward only to return the next spring to the same lake when the ice is barely opened up.  Banding records reveal that they live for 20 to 30 years and it is thought that they mate for life.  

Loons breed first at the age of 2 years.  The nest is built by both adults very near the water's edge on an island or shoreline hidden by vegetation.  The nest itself is a mound of reeds, grasses and twigs and is often reused year after year.  Two eggs are laid and are incubated by both adults.  The young hatch after 24 to 31 days and leave the nest within 1 to 2 days.  They learn to swim and dive after 2 to 3 days on the water.  Both parents feed, protect and care for the young.  We have all seen the small chicks riding on the backs of the adult birds. 

Two years ago a friend and I were working on a plant survey in the Kennedy Lakes area of New Brunswick and came upon the remains of a deceased bird.  A photograph of that bird is shown below.  CAUTION, please scroll down if you do not wish to see it.  The remains were collected and submitted for examination.  

                                                Remains of Common Loon  [E Mills Photo]

The autopsy was conducted by Andrew Sullivan, NB Museum, and identified the remains as that of a Common Loon.  It showed two levels of trauma.  The first, fractured sternum and furcula (wishbone) had been sustained some time before and were partly healed.  See photo below.  The second traumatic event had obviously been lethal.  There were gun pellet holes in the pelvis which were not healed.  This individual had obviously endured two levels of pain and suffering.  The first could have been from a collision while in flight and the bird was recovering and functioning from that.  It could also have been caused by a collision with a boat.  The second was probably accompanied by significant additional soft tissue damage which was enough to end the bird's life.  The fact that it was on land in a wilderness area may mean it had been trying to care for young or that it crawled on shore to die.  Whatever the circumstances, it was a painful,  traumatic event caused by a human.  That is inexcusable human behaviour and whether it was a trigger-happy teenager (or adult) or a duck hunter who wasn't careful about the species he/she was shooting, it just should not have happened.  

 Furcula of Loon Showing Healed Fracture  [Andrew Sullivan Photo]

The loss of this adult loon resulted in the breakup of a pair of loons that may have been nesting on that lake for many years.  It may have resulted in the death of that year's chicks.  It certainly upset the ecological balance of that lake.  We humans must be more mindful of our actions and how seriously we can (and do) negatively influence the environment and its animal and plant species!

Relevant Common Loon mortality studies have been conducted in Maritime Canada and New England.  These reveal some interesting facts.  The Maritime study (Daoust 1998) looked at 31 moribund or dead Common Loons from the 3 Maritime provinces.  Eight of these birds were in good body condition and died acutely by drowning or trauma.  23 of the birds were in poor body condition and died of chronic lead poisoning, respiratory mycosis, or oil contamination of their plumage.  The poor body condition was studied further and these birds also had high numbers of intestinal trematodes and significantly higher levels of total renal mercury.    

The New England study (Sidor 2003) examined 522 dead or moribund Common Loons taken from the New England area.  They found the causes of mortality differed significantly in breeding and wintering habitats.  Wintering adults died mainly of trauma and infection and had poorer body condition than breeding loons.  In breeding adults lead toxicosis from ingested fishing gear accounted for almost half of all mortality.  Direct anthropogenic factors accounted for 52% of loon mortality in that study!  They also studied mortality in loon chicks and they could identify that infraspecific aggression (from one loon chick to another) caused 25% mortality and other causes of trauma were responsible for 32%.  

So, considering the Maritime study, humans were responsible either directly or indirectly for much of the mortality.  Eight out of 31 cases were caused by drowning or trauma.  Humans were not responsible for all of that but certainly caused some of the trauma as in the case cited above.  23 out of the 31 cases had lead poisoning, respiratory mycosis or oil contamination.  Humans caused all the lead poisoning and the oil contamination.  We are looking really bad here!  Those birds in poor body condition had toxic levels of renal mercury.  Humans again!  What is not mentioned here as well is poisoning from PCBs which can also be a factor.  The New England study showed human causes in 52% of the loon mortality.  

The picture as presented by the case cited above and these studies is bleak.  Humans are a significant cause of loon mortality.  There is no easy way to look at this without putting the blame squarely on humans.  We must change our behaviour and we must continue to clean up our environment.  The Common Loon is perceived as a regal representative of our wilderness environment.  We have not protected it properly.  We can and must do better.

                                                     Common Loon on Canadian Dollar Coin

 Reference:

Daoust PY, Conboy G, McBurney S, Burgess N.  Interactive mortality factors in common loons from Maritime Canada.  J Wildl Dis. 1998 Jul 34(3) 524-31.

Sidor Inga F, Pokras Mark A, Major Andrew R, Poppenga Robert H, Taylor Kate M, Miconi Rose M.

Mortality of common loons in New England, 1987 to 2000. J Wildl Dis. 2003 Apr  39(2): 306-15.

Early Spring Shorebirds - Least Sandpipers

                                                                    Least Sandpipers

 In early May we begin to watch for the early shorebird migrants.  On May 11 we were birding along the Bay of Fundy shoreline.  One interesting place is in St. Andrews at the Blockhouse.  There we were walking on the long red sandstone point jutting out into the bay.  Shorebirds were scarce since it was early for their migration.  However, we did find 3 Greater Yellowlegs sleeping with bills tucked under their wings.  On the return we noted a movement on a dark clump of seaweed covered sandstone out of the water.  To my surprise it was a group of well camouflaged shorebirds.  On close examination they were Least Sandpipers and the more I looked, the more I saw.  At first I saw 4, then 5, then 7.  They were sleeping.  Obviously the shorebirds on that point had recently arrived and were resting from their long journey.  It was amazing how well the Least Sandpipers were concealed by their resemblance to the seaweed.  The photo above shows them as they became active.  We don't often see a group of only Least Sandpipers.

                                                                Least Sandpiper

For more information on the Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) including migration and life history, search this blog for 'Least Sandpiper'.  The breeding plumage of the Least Sandpiper is more rufous in colour than the non-breeding plumage which is more grayish.  Notice in the photo above the rufous showing on the cheek patch, secondary wing feather tips, and breast streaking.  In the topmost photo above you can see that some individuals are more rufous than others. They will soon all be changed into their breeding plumage.

Least Sandpipers are our smallest sandpiper (15 cm).  They prefer inland bodies of water, sandy riverbanks, and the upper edges of estuaries.  Their rufous plumage camouflages them well for these types of habitats.  Mudflats and grassy marshes covered with dead and water-soaked vegetation matches their mottled feathers.  That is why we don't see them on sandy beaches but rather on tidal creeks and edges of salt marshes.  

                                                                        Least Sandpiper

The above photo shows the clear white belly and deep yellow legs of the Least Sandpiper.  These sandpipers forage by walking along and picking up food items from the surface of the ground or shallow water.  Sometimes they will probe the mud with their bill.  Preferred foods are crustaceans, insects and snails.  Their diet varies with the season.  During migration they feed mainly on amphipods and isopods.  In the spring along the Atlantic coastline they will join other shorebirds and feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs.  

                                                                        Least Sandpiper

The male Least Sandpiper displays for the female on the nesting ground.  He approaches the female leaning forward with the tail uplifted while raising his wings over his back.  For his display flight he circles the area alternating glides and flutters while singing.  I have never heard any vocals from this species other than the high pitched kree.  The nest is built on the ground near the water in a clump of grass.  The male starts building the nest but the female soon takes over and completes the task.  The nest is a shallow depression lined with grass, leaves and moss.  The four pale buff eggs are blotched with brown and are incubated by both adults.  The female sits at first for the night and early morning with the male taking over for the day.  Later the male does most of the sitting.  The young are precocious and leave the nest soon after hatching.  Both adults nurture the young but as they get older the female leaves and the male continues to feed and care for them until they can fly which is about 14 to 16 days after hatching.  They are on their own after that.  

Least Sandpipers migrate in flocks (as seen in the group resting at St. Andrews mentioned above).  Our eastern Canadian flocks sometimes migrate nonstop over the ocean to northern South America.  Those from the interior of the country migrate over land and probably make periodic stops to rest and feed.  Many winter in the southern US.  

Population numbers for this species are not as vulnerable as some since they are not totally dependent on important stopover sites.  Although their numbers are down, their population is not currently facing any known threats.

Wintering Field Sparrows

 

                                                Field Sparrow  [Bev Schneider Photo]

In late March it was reported that friends in Mactaquac had Field Sparrows coming to their feeders.  Early photos of these birds had been posted on birders' media and had caused some confusion about identification.  It was requested that I go and try to get better photos of these birds.  According to the home owners, there originally were 3 individuals of the same species feeding regularly all winter.  At the time of my visits there were only 2 individuals.

On March 31, 2023, it was a raw winter day, windy and cold.  I stood hidden in the bushes at the back of the house waiting for the Field Sparrows to appear.  They regularly fed on the ground about 10 metres from where I was hidden.  I must have been well camouflaged because a Song Sparrow appeared from under the porch and started singing from a bush no more than 3 metres from me.  That was a treat!  The crows and jays were very active in the many trees in the area and along the river which was close.  I could hear Evening Grosbeaks and for a considerable time the flock came in to feed.  About 45 birds were in the trees and on the ground.  Mainly they were excited about their spring song which sounded so good to my winter ears.  

At one point a lone sparrow made a streak from under the porch, into a nearby bush  and then disappeared.  All became quiet again.  Soon the reason became very evident.  A Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in and perched within 5 to 6 metres of me.  He, too, did not know I was there.  That surprised me.  After it left unsuccessful in its hunt, things slowly returned to the normal chatter and activity.  

                                        Sharp-Shinned Hawk [Bev Schneider Photo]

Now, I was sure where the sparrows were spending their time.  The porch was elevated about 2 to 3 metres and enclosed underneath with rick-rack.  The Song Sparrow had come from there and returned at least twice in the 30 minutes or more I had stood there.  Eventually it was from there that the Field Sparrow emerged.  

                                                Field Sparrow  [Bev Schneider Photo]

My target species had now appeared and it was very wary.  I found that interesting since the Song Sparrow was so unaware.  It gave me only seconds to get a photo.  A few quick photos of a moving bird on two occasions was all it offered me.  As you can see above and below, these are all my P900 could manage that day.  Never-the-less, the photos are enough to confirm the identity of these visiting winter sparrows.  I do not know if I have photos of one individual or both.  

Let us review the field marks of this species so we can rule out the earlier proposed identity as a Clay-colored Sparrow.  The sparrow I was seeing had a definite white eyering, a long tail, a pink bill and pink legs.  Its breast was a clear light gray with no streaks.  The back was striped, there was rufous on the crown and behind the eye.  There was also rufous on the nape.  Those field marks make it a Field Sparrow.  I was able to rule out Clay-colored Sparrow based on these features but carefully checked the nape as well.  In the Clay-colored Sparrow the nape is gray.  This bird showed some rufous on the nape.

The other rule outs are Chipping Sparrow and American Tree Sparrow.  The Chipping Sparrow has a black line behind the eye and a shorter tail.  The American Tree Sparrow has a bicoloured bill and a dark spot in the middle of its breast.   The bird in question was definitely neither of these species.  

                                Field Sparrow Showing Rufous on Nape [Bev Schneider Photo]

                Field Sparrow Showing Rufous Behind Eye and Pink Bill [Bev Schneider Photo]

See below for an excellent photo of a Field Sparrow taken by Jim Carroll.  I believe that photo was taken in the fall.  Note how much more rufous this individual looks in fall plumage.  The white eyering is very prominent and see the buffy-orange on the sides and breast.  Also note the lack of streaks on the breast.

                                            Field Sparrow [Jim Carroll Photo]

Field Sparrows are a rare migrant to New Brunswick.  A few have been found here in summer but it is very rare in winter.  To have 3 of them overwintering is very rare.  Thank you to the home owners for keeping the survivors fed throughout the winter.  It is the appearance of rare species like this that keeps birding so interesting.

A Difficult Identification of a Winter Hawk - Let's Learn

 

                                               What Is This Hawk?  [B Schneider Photo]

                                           Another View of the Same Hawk  [B Schneider Photo]

On December 31, 2022 in the afternoon we saw a hawk near route 105 in the Keswick area, York County, which was being harassed by crows.  It was perched about 4 metres off the ground in a maple tree and was intent on what the crows were doing.  That gave me an opportunity to photograph from the car.  Assuming that it was a lighter coloured juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, we drove on to check other birding areas.  When I downloaded my photos later that day I knew this was possibly something else.  It did not look like a Red-tail, so what was it?  I knew some Red-shouldered Hawks had been reported from the province and was not totally sure what a juvenile Red-shouldered looked like.  It certainly looked like a buteo and I ruled out a juvenile Broad-winged because we 'don't have them in winter'.   At least, that is what we birders have thought for many years.  It looked like a smallish buteo but I had nothing to compare it with so wasn't totally sure of its size.

I returned to the area and could not refind the bird.  I sent the photos to my local birding friend and he thought it was a Red-tail but noted the lighter head.  The next level of help came from another of our well-seasoned birders.  He was unsure but ruled out Rough-legged and was hoping for more photos which would show more of an open wing.  He was asking also if I could give an accurate estimate of size.  Both of these were difficult.  No more photos were available.   He was seriously wondering about juvenile Broad-winged Hawk. 

What to do?  I really wanted to know what this hawk was.  I felt an accurate identification was important for our NB records.  So, I moved to another level of expertise in our province.  All the input we could get was valuable.  After studying the photos carefully he ruled out Red-tailed and Rough-legged immediately and leaned toward juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk.  His reasons seemed valid.  First, it looks similar to the immature Red-shouldered Hawk that was in Saint John in the winter of 2019, noting also that the markings on first-winter Red-shouldered Hawks can vary considerably.  Second, referring to Richard Crossley's,  Crossley's Guide to Eastern Birds, it notes that the juvenile Red-shouldered is very similar to the juvenile Broad-winged and it often has evenly spaced heart-shaped streaks.  Crossley also says that the Red-shouldered juvenile has pale areas above and below the eye.  Both these features are seen on the bird we are trying to identify.  However, since the identification is still uncertain, it was suggested I seek the help of our chief hawk birder, Todd Watts.  

The plot gets deeper and more interesting!  So, we have the possibility of either a juvenile Red-shouldered or a juvenile Broad-winged.  After close examination of the photos and referring to many hawk identification texts  (and many hours of hawk identification experience) Todd points out the following for our consideration.  Referring to the photos of our mystery bird, note the lightly marked underside of this individual.  The barring and streaking is mostly limited to the flanks.  This is typical of immature Broad-winged and uncommon in Red-shouldered.  The heart-shaped markings occur on both Red-shouldered and Broad-winged  but they are evenly spaced on the Red-shouldered juveniles which they are not on our mystery bird. 

Todd searched dozens of photos from the Macaulay Library, Cornell Lab or Ornithology,  and submits two as shown below.

                    Juvenile Light Morph Broad-winged Hawk [Macaulay Library]

                        Juvenile Light Morph Broad-winged Hawk [Macaulay Library]

According to Todd, our mystery bird shows many similarities to the above photos of juvenile Broad-winged Hawks.  The heart-shaped spots (although not really diagnostic) are not evenly spaced.  Also similar to the photos are the distribution of the underbody markings, the head markings and the general colouration.  One of the Macaulay photos shows a pale forehead and the other does not.  A pale forehead is common in juvenile Broad-wings but not always present as in the second photo above and in our mystery bird.  Todd notes a mid-throat streak on our bird which is not shown in either of the Macaulay photos.  However, mid-throat streaks occur regularly in Broad-winged Hawks.  

Todd concludes that the mystery bird is a juvenile Broad-winged Hawk.  He sent my photos to one of his hawk identification teachers and his reply was affirming; "In my opinion this is unequivocally a hatch-year Broad-winged Hawk".

So, Broad-winged Hawks here in winter?  In local parlance, who knew?  This certainly was my first thought and I have been birding for many years.  According to our NB Winter Bird List kept by Gilles Belliveau, we have had confirmed Broad-winged Hawk sightings in winter for the last 5 out of 6 years.  And these were juveniles! So what is going on?  This appears to be a recent phenomenon of which many of us are not aware (including me).

What we do know is that juvenile Broad-winged Hawks are very intimidated by the crossing of large bodies of water.  We also know that large flocks are seen circling around southwestern Nova Scotia in the fall.  One might assume this is because they are afraid to cross the Gulf of Maine into southern Maine.  By the end of September and early October most of the adult Broad-winged Hawks in their migration have reached Texas.  What is happening to these flocks of juveniles?  Are the juveniles that we are seeing here in winter stragglers from these flocks that can't seem to find their way south?  

The final destination of these flocks of juvenile Broad-wings is a mystery.  According to Todd, they are rarely seen at New England hawk watch sites.  Are these Nova Scotia flocks breaking up with some managing to make it back to New Brunswick?  How well will they winter?  Todd believes that most of them will not overwinter because of their wasting of fat stores trying to find their way.  Adding to that the tough conditions that winter presents and I expect very few over-wintering juvenile Broad-winged Hawks make it into spring.  Broad-wings are not accustomed to our winters!

This has been a fascinating exercise in hawk identification.  Thanks you to the birders which offered help.  In addition to what I learned about juvenile buteos, I learned that things are changing here for overwintering hawks.  Birding can become complex at times and collaboration often solves difficult identification problems.  

What is a Brewer's Sparrow?

                                                       Brewer's Sparrow [B Schneider Photo]

 What is a Brewer's Sparrow?  That question was asked many times by NB birders after its presence was announced from Quispamsis about 10 days ago.  I can guarantee everyone had to look it up in their favourite bird guides.  The Brewer's Sparrow had never been seen in New Brunswick before.  No wonder birders were shocked and excited.  It became a 'lifer' for almost everyone who saw it.

A small, streaked, faded-looking sparrow appeared at the feeders of a new NB birder in January,  2023.  Being a new birder, she called for help.  It was quickly identified as a Clay-colored Sparrow until our more expert birders started scrutinizing its appearance.  After just 2 or 3 days, and checking with other experts, it was announced that this was indeed a Brewer's Sparrow.  Brewer's, Clay-colored and to some extent, Field Sparrows are very similar Spizella sparrows.  One needs to look very closely to differentiate a Brewer's from a Clay-colored especially when the bird is out of 'context', i.e., out of its normal range and habitat.  

                                                Brewer's Sparrow  [B Schneider Photo]

The Brewer's Sparrow (Spizella breweri) is a small-to-medium sized sparrow (13-15 cm long).  It is the same size as the Clay-colored but smaller than the Song and Field Sparrows.  It is a member of the Passerellidae family.  It was discovered in 1850 by John Cassin who named it in honour of the Boston physician and naturalist, Thomas Mayo Brewer.  Its original range was thought to be western North America in sagebrush country but in 1925 a montane race was discovered in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.  That led to the two distinct races of this species, the sagebrush-dwelling race (breweri) and the montane race (taverneri).  This has led to two nominate groups of this species, the Southern race and the Northern or Timberline race.  These two groups are sometimes listed as subspecies; Spizella breweri breweri for the sagebrush group and Spizella breweri taverneri as the montane group.  Time will tell what the taxonomists will do (if anything) with these two groups.

The Brewer's Sparrow is the drabbest of North American sparrows.  I will describe the taverneri race as having broader black streaks on its back, a darker gray breast with more contrast between gray breast and white belly, a slightly longer tail, and a shorter, stubbier bill.  For the rest of this description, I will be discussing the breweri race which our visitor represents.  The Brewer's Sparrow shows a faded brownish gray overall appearance. It looks small with a long tail and very striped.  Its breast is washed all over with a light gray.  It has a brown cheek patch which is not heavily outlined, a white line under the cheek patch and a dark malar stripe.  The eye has a weak complete white eyering.  The crown is brown streaked with a weak central line.  The nape is gray streaked.  The back is streaked gray brown and there are two weak wing bars.  The legs and feet are pale pink.  The bill is short and pink with a dark tip.  

                                                        Brewer's Sparrow  [B Schneider Photo]

Both genders have similar plumage.  The appearance in summer is affected by wear on the feathers and fading from the sun.  Juveniles look much like the adults but are more streaked and buffier in colour.

This species is so similar to the Clay-colored Sparrow that it is no wonder it was mistaken at first.  The Clay-colored Sparrow has a white central crown stripe, a gray nape, and distinct dark borders to its cheek patches as well as dark whiskers.  

The ranges of the two races of Brewer's Sparrow are different.  The winter range of both races overlap in southern Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California and northern Mexico.  The summer ranges are different.  The breweri race breeds over most of the western part of the US east of the mountains in sagebrush and scrub habitats.  The taverneri race breeds in summers in the north in brushy habitat at treeline in mountains in Canada (Yukon and NW British Columbia) and eastern Alaska.  The Brewer's Sparrow does wander sometimes out of its range.  According to 'Sparrows & Finches of the Great Lakes Region and Eastern North America', it has been recorded in Minnesota, Illinois and Michigan.  It has been accidental to Massachusetts (Bent).  

The photo below shows the crown stripe and the weak eyering of the Brewer's Sparrow.

                                            Brewer's Sparrow  [B Schneider Photo]

Brewer's Sparrows eat mainly insects and have been shown to be useful controllers of crop pests.  Studies have shown that they eat plenty of plant lice, caterpillars, spiders, beetles, ants, and wasps.  Their diet includes mainly weed seeds in winter.  

Brewer's Sparrows act very secretive around their nests.  They will stay on the nest until the last second and then flair up and quickly disappear in the vegetation, often running along the ground.  They build their nest very close to the ground (less than 1 metre) but not usually on the ground.  The nest is made of dry grass stems and roots and lined with small rootlets, fine grasses and animal hair.  It is supported on the loose vegetation around it.  The average inside diameter of the nest is 50 mm with a depth of 30 mm.  The female lays 3 to 5 bluish glaucous eggs which are speckled and splotched on the large end with dark browns or gray.  The female incubates the eggs 11 to 13 days.  The young fledge in 8 or 9 days and the young depend on the adults for food and protection for several days.  There are often 2 broods per season.

                 Brewer's Sparrow Nest [Source Life Histories of North American Birds by A. C. Bent]

The Brewer's Sparrow is usually quite silent on its wintering grounds except for a tsip call note.  On the breeding grounds it is very vocal uttering long series of trills and buzzes.  Some notes are high and melodical while others are long and buzzy like its cousin, the Clay-colored Sparrow.  They sometimes engage in flock trilling.  On listening to its song on my electronic device, I wish we had them here in summer so we could listen to them!

The drab coloration of this species of sparrow and its shy manner account for its not getting much attention.  I wonder how well we would know it even if we lived in the west or southwest.  However, in migration it does migrate in large flocks.  In times past it was regularly seen in flocks of 50 or 100 individuals.  It has been seen wintering in Texas accompanied by White-crowned Sparrows, Black-throated Sparrows, Vesper and Savannah Sparrows.  At other times these large flocks have been observed to spend a lot of time bathing.   Quoting from Bent, p. 1213, these sparrows 'seem to be spending most of the forenoon hours every day in the mesquites along the overflow ditches, thoroughly wetting the plumage in the shallow streamlets and then perching in the green canopied branch-work above to preen at great length.  Sometimes such bathing parties would be perfectly quiet save for the sound of fluttering wings.  Then again certain individuals would break into prolonged singing...'

The Brewer's Sparrow has declined in some parts of its range due to habitat loss.  It is also vulnerable to cowbird predation.

As of today, February 6, our Brewer's Sparrow visitor is doing well, having survived -35ºC temperatures with high winds two days ago.  

A Good Day Birding

 

                                                                Green-tailed Towhee

On January 3, a day in which the weather was balmy with almost no snow, a friend and I drove the 2-plus hours to Sackville.  Several rare birds including a mega rarity had been reported from there.  Our trip down was uneventful for birds with mainly crows and ravens added to the list except for a Gray Jay which flew across the road in front of us.

At Sackville we missed the exit from the highway and went beyond to the first turn around and came back to where we saw a group of cars parked on the side of the road. That was the clue to where the rare Green-tailed Towhee might be.  It had been reported from the marsh behind the local high school for about the last 3 weeks.  We parked on the side of the big highway, got our gear ready and walked about 100 yards on a very good trail to where three people were gathered.  Having someone ahead of you who already knows where the bird is located is a big help.

                                                            Green-tailed Towhee

The habitat was a  large fresh water marsh with edges growing up in sedges, rushes, grasses and some bushes including red osier, wild roses and alders. Near where the bird was usually found was a gazebo which was heavily laden with full bird feeders. The bird was obviously being well taken care of.  The Green-tailed Towhee was far from home.  It would normally spend summers in the interior area of western US and it would winter in Mexico.  

Approaching quietly with as little disturbance as possible, we set up our cameras and waited with the other people pointing unobtrusively to where the bird was apparently hiding.  We stood there with anticipation waiting for it to appear.  After about 20 minutes a beautiful adult Green-tailed Towhee showed itself as it fed in the ditch among the reeds and bushes.  What a photographic opportunity!  That was the mega-rarity we had come for.  We were able to quietly watch it for about 10 minutes before it returned to hiding.  On the way out was a beautiful White-throated Sparrow.  My friend was able to pick a few rose hips to feed her birds at home while I identified the Speckled Alders we walked past.

                                                                          Great Egret

The next species on our rare bird list for the trip was a Great Egret that had been hanging around the marshy and pond areas of town for over a month.  Checking birding Facebook sites from the day before we knew it had been feeding near St. James Street at the retention pond.  As we were searching for the area another friendly birder led us to the proper area and the best place to park.  Thanks, Gary!

                                                                        Great Egret

There was a large pond in that area with a wonderful network of trails.  We walked along quietly for 100 metres and I spotted the tall white bird hiding among the cattails.  Moving along further gave us a good view as it started wading and feeding.  A Great Egret is no longer super rare here but one in winter certainly is.  This individual appeared to be doing well but one wonders how long it can survive when the ponds freeze over.  

The third rarity was a Yellow-breasted Chat which had been feeding fairly regularly at a feeder in town.  The feeders of this house were visible from the street.  We sat in our car and watched the feeders three different times during the day but did not see the rare visitor.  Also missed that day was a Northern Mockingbird which also was in town.  We did not know where it was hanging out so we did not try to see it.  We were sorry to miss it though.  

                                                                    Yellow-breasted Chat  

                                                                    Northern Mockingbird

After such good birding in town we drove to the ‘official’ marsh, the Tantramar Marsh where we traversed muddy roads looking for whatever birds we could find.  That did not disappoint.  We saw many Ring-necked Pheasants who were feeding in barn yards, in the yards of houses bordering the marsh and in other border areas.  A few Mallard ducks rounded out our list on the marsh.  We saw an Iceland Gull along one road.

                                                            Ring-necked Pheasant

                                                                        Iceland Gull

With time and daylight fleeting we headed for the highway and the long drive home.  That ended a very good outing and a great day birding.