Tree Sparrow and Purple Finch

[Scott Richardson]

Activity at the feeders this morning was about average, but both an American Tree Sparrow and a Purple Finch popped in for the first time this winter.

Looking back, the last tree sparrow I noted in the yard was in November... 2018! Last year was the first strikeout since 2012. Otherwise, they've been pretty regular over 2 decades. Ten years ago, I'd have 3-6 on most counts, but the past few years it's been 1 or 2.

eBird largely backs up the impression that tree sparrows have been less evident this winter. If this link works as hoped, you'll see the past 5 years of Dec-Feb tree sparrow reports for the state...

https://ebird.org/barchart?byr=2016&eyr=2020&bmo=12&emo=2&r=US-ME&spp=amtspa&separateYears=true

Interesting to see their late arrival this year.

The Purple Finch was the first I've noted in my yard since May. I've only recorded them once before in February (2015), but during a few years they have hung out in January and March.

14 species on my 1-hour checklist, with no chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, or woodpeckers. Carolina Wren and Northern Cardinal were competing for loudest song.

Scott Richardson

Berwick

ps. The wren won.