First Song Sparrow of the Spring

15 March 2016

     I was delighted this morning when doing my regular Tuesday walkabout at SpruceHaven to discover my first Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia of the spring.

     This little male was singing at full volume from the top of a small sapling, no doubt establishing a territory to present to the first female to arrive.

     This species will be with us now well into late fall, and I hope that we will be able to find evidence of breeding at SpruceHaven. Its nest is a cup of leaves, strips of bark, weeds, and grass lined with finer grass, rootlets and hair. It is far from easy to locate! Nests are commonly placed on the ground among grasses, sedges, cattails and a variety of bushes. 

     There is certainly ample choice habitat at SpruceHaven so we will be vigilant as spring progresses and see if we can confirm breeding.