Eurasian Tree Sparrow by Skye Haas

Eurasian Tree Sparrow by Skye Haas

While not completely unexpected, the manner in which Whitefish Point gained it’s 8th record of Eurasian Tree Sparrow was a bit of a surprise. This afternoon when out at the waterbird count with Louie Dombroski, I heard an odd nasal chirping from overhead, and upon seeing the source, was amazed to see that there was a Eurasian Tree Sparrow flying overhead! Typically when discovered at Whitefish Point, this close relative of the House Sparrow is at the Owl’s Roost feeders. Eurasian Tree Sparrows are recent visitors to Michigan and of the 20+ records for the State, all have occurred after 2005, with the majority of records coming from the Upper Peninsula typically during spring migration.

Another sighting of note was a Townsend’s Solitaire at a private residence on the 8th. Unfortunately the bird did not stick around long, nor was it refound elsewhere on the Point. If it is still around Whitefish, the Harbor of Refuge can be a good place to find Solitaires with the prolific juniper bushes providing both cover and food for these western thrushes.

Lincoln's Sparrow by Skye Haas

Lincoln’s Sparrow by Skye Haas

Great numbers of sparrows at the Owl’s Roost feeders the last few days. White-crowned Sparrows have arrived in big numbers and with them Swamp, Lincoln’s, Chipping, American Tree, White-throated, Savannah and Song have all been present.

Skye Haas