Seasonal Sightings

By Nancy Smith


Observe the Fox Sparrow with the rich red hues it wears.  They're known for spending a lot of time on the ground, using their strong legs to kick away leaf litter in search of seeds and insects. They rarely venture far from cover and associate with White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos and White-crowned Sparrows.  Here's a clip so you can see it foraging:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=174URDKFSP4


Appreciate the Hermit Thrush with its rich brown upper body and smudged spots on the breast. The reddish tail sets it apart from 
similar species in its genus. 


Identify the black-and-white Common Goldeneye males.  The eyes will be bright yellow in adult drakes [males] and pale yellow to white in hens [females].  They're just arriving in our area and have an elaborate courtship which you can watch as winter settles in.  Here's a clip so you can
recognize it when you see it:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fwi9Di-RjU