This is a local rarity, first reported 11 December but has been missed or very difficult to see until recently. Now that it has become more reliable, we decided to give it a try. When we arrived this morning, we could see a group of birders assembled all looking in one spot and sure enough the Harris's Sparrow was there.
The is arguably, the largest sparrow in North America. It is also one of most poorly known. It breeds in remote regions of Canada and its nest was not described until 1932 when the species was found breeding near Churchill, Manitoba. It winters mostly in the southern plains, but vagrants may show up almost anywhere in North America.
This is an adult. Immatures lack the black on the chin and throat. Males and females are similar, although males are larger and may have a more extensive black bib. Winter and breeding plumages are similar, except that winter birds have the face washed with buff instead of the white color of breeding.
The brown plant material is decomposing Brussels Sprouts and it is very attractive to many sparrows and some warblers.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA |hand-held (no adapter)