Rare Duo in New Brunswick
Lark Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow - rare winter finds!
It was Thursday, February 4, when Janet MacMillan first spotted an unusual sparrow near the grape arbor in her yard in Moncton, New Brunswick. While updating her daily list of feeder birds, Janet caught several glimpses of the new sparrow, but she did not get a good look until February 8, when the bird finally moved to her front feeder. Janet was able to photograph the bird and identified it as an adult Lark Sparrow.
Lark Sparrow (above) and
Chipping Sparrow seen at the
home of FeederWatcher Janet
MacMillan in Moncton, New
Brunswick. Photo by Nelson Poirier.
The Lark Sparrow is typically found in open habitats in the Great Plains and the arid west and predominantly winters in Texas and Mexico. Vagrant individuals rarely visit the east coast. Jim Wilson, one of New Brunswick's most avid birders, noted, "Although we do get a few Lark Sparrows annually, mostly in late summer and fall, they are considered rare here. There are very few winter records, so this bird is certainly exceptional."
Janet phoned the Rare Bird Alert line in New Brunswick and about 30 people came to visit. While birders flocked to Janet's yard to see the Lark Sparrow, guests were treated to another rarity--a winter plumage Chipping Sparrow. The Chipping Sparrow appeared to be travelling with the Lark Sparrow!
The Chipping Sparrow is a common summer breeder in New Brunswick, and normally returns north in late April or the first half of May. They nest across the province during spring and summer, often raising two broods of young. According to Jim Wilson, "We see a few Chipping Sparrows linger into late October or November before migrating south, but the species is very rare here in winter."
Lark Sparrow photographed in Moncton, New Brunswick,
by Nelson Poirier.
The Lark Sparrow and Chipping Sparrow have put on a great show for birders, and are often seen together. Both favor the heavy vines on Janet's fence, and the lattice work beside a crab apple tree in her yard. "How this 'odd couple' got together is an interesting question, but Janet MacMillan in Moncton is a very fortunate FeederWatcher," Jim Wilson told us. "To host one would be an event, but to have two is like winning the lottery. I hope she's gone out and bought a ticket"
As of March 8, both birds were still hanging around Janet's yard. Visitors continue to drop by to see the birds, and some are lucky enough to hear the Lark Sparrow sing.
