This AM’s birding started with a Hermit Thrush, its rusty tail evident. A handful of Yellow-rumped Warblers were working through the trees & a RB Nuthatch was calling. When I got to our sagebrush/rabbitbush area, sparrows erupted from ground level in every direction. A conservative count of 200 DE Juncos (Oregons), 100 White-crowned Sparrows with one lone White-throated Sparrow, 2 Lincoln’s, a couple of Chipping Sparrows & 2-3 Brewer’s were present.

30 minutes later, a lower temp & scattered showers in the same area, found only the juncos remaining.. A fast-moving storm system to the north must have been pushing the sparrows, fast & furious, ahead of its arrival. Also, I had 2 or 3 House Wrens push through, which is a late date for my home. There were a couple of Spotted Towhees working with the sparrows & a few Towhees will stay as winter residents.

Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot