Fox Sparrow (Red), Dixon Reservoir, Larimer County

[Brad Biggerstaff]

A short visit to Dixon Reservoir/Pineridge Natural Area in west Fort Collins this morning yielded very few birds, but among them was a single Fox Sparrow (Red subspecies).  I first heard the bird calling (alarm chipping?) with a high-pitched, clear "tseet" or such at about 9:30.  The bird came up into view in a now-leafless bush, where I was able to get some unfortunately blurry photos (link below to the "best" of these).  The heavy, red streaking on the breast/sides, red and gray on the head, and red on the tail were clear.  The bird was in the tangles just north of the dam.

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LYr4U1YDtdPKsMZe65b3xNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink

Brad Biggerstaff

Fort Collins