| Common Name | Harris' Sparrow |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zonotrichia querula |
| Type of Report | Rare Species |
| Date of Observation | 12/21/2018 |
| Media | |
| Number Observed | 1 |
| Reporting Observer's Name | Craig Provost |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 1241 Stowe, VT 05672 United States Map It |
| Email hidden; Javascript is required. | |
| Date Completed | 01/21/2019 |
| Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers | None |
| Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | 43.9857754 |
| Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide) | -73.2796886 |
| Place Name | Paine Drive |
| Township | Bridport |
| County | Addison |
| Vermont eBird Checklist URL | ebird.org |
| Time of Day | 11:50 AM |
| Length of Time Observed | 45 to 60 seconds (including time taking photos) |
| Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 25 |
| Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet) | 25 |
| Noteworthy Weather Conditions | Overcast; limited wind. |
| Optical Equipment Used for Observation | Kowa Genesis 10x40 binoculars |
| Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species | Twice out west (Washington) and third time here in Vermont. |
| I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event. | |
| Description of Habitat | Mostly secondary growth along road; more mature woodland to the west and upslope. |
| Behaviors Observed | Bird responded to pishing which brought in other sparrows first. Visible while perched, and then flew into shrubbery. |
| Description of Vocalizations | Heard loud call note different than the White-Throated Sparrows which captured my attention. |
| Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation | Was viewing multiple birds as they came into view. Heard different call and turned in that direction, spotting the Harris' Sparrow. While continuing to watch the bird, pulled camera out with other hand, lowered bins, and took photos. Bird darted out of view after the third shot. |
| Relative Size & Shape | Noticeably larger than nearby junco. Also appeared larger and longer tailed than White-Throated. |
| Head | Black on crown, forehead and throat. Light brown cheeks and auriculars, black eye. |
| Feet & Bill | Bill bright pink. Legs not clearly seen. |
| Upper Back | Not clearly seen but brownish. |
| Lower Back & Rump | Not viewed. |
| Wings | Brown with two thin white wingbars. |
| Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts | Black on throat extending down to top of chest; white below that. Black markings along the side of belly down to flanks. |
| Tail | Long tail with no markings noted. |
| IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different? | Black forehead, face, and throat surrounding a bright pink bill eliminates all other sparrows. |
| Other Notes & Comments | Adult in non-breeding/winter plumage. NOTE: Submission to ebird not done after observation. This due to the original observer/homeowner not wanting it made public. This appears to have now changed as report of the bird has now appeared in Vermont Bird. |
| This report was written from notes taken: | Immediately After |
Vermont Atlas of Life Partners
