― Albert Einstein
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
I observed my first Fox Sparrow of fall migration this morning at the conservancy's prairie parcel. It was foraging with a few dozen White-crowned Sparrows along the main gravel path that bisects the prairie. Also taking part in the feeding frenzy were White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows, Swamp Sparrow, Chipping Sparrow, and a Lincoln's Sparrow. I saw an immature White-crowned Sparrow grab the tail of a Song Sparrow and pull it out of the spot where it was foraging. Though somewhat comical to me, they're aggressive little things at times.
The adult Harris's Sparrow is still present, but obtaining a quality portrait of it has proven to be a challenge. Thus far I've only been able to get a few distant documentation photographs of it. I wonder how long this bird is going to stay at the prairie. Well, there's certainly no shortage of food. I'm guessing it will probably leave with the bulk of the White-crowned Sparrows, whenever it is they decide it's time to move on.
Assassin Bug
The season's brown and coppery colors arrive at the prairie through a variety of transformations: growth, development, migration, decay, etc. In the insect realm, the appearance of Woolly Bear caterpillars along the trail signals more of a beginning than an end. By avian cues, each new arrival represents a fond farewell until spring.
Woolly Bear caterpillar
Second to last! The regal Fox Sparrow is second to the last. So, what comes last? It's the American Tree Sparrow―the last sparrow of fall, but the first to to sing spring songs. Fox Sparrows will be present at the prairie throughout October and even into November. Sometimes one or two try to overwinter at the conservancy, but I'm not sure if they stay. I occasionally find one during the Christmas Bird Count in December, but usually near the Conservancy Condos where the feeders are.
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow (immature)
White-crowned Sparrow (adult)
The prairie is fading spectacularly; it's still beautiful and teeming with things to behold and appreciate. Sometimes it's hard for me to believe I've been exploring Pheasant Branch for over two decades and yet it still feels like a new experience every time I visit. When it comes to visiting Nature, John Muir said we always receive more than we seek. This is undoubtedly true to me. Though I've observed, documented, and inventoried extensively, sometimes I feel like I've only just begun to uncover its secrets.
Pheasant Branch, Dane, Wisconsin, US
Oct 8, 2015 7:00 AM - 10:30 AM
49 species
Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Ring-necked Pheasant
Red-tailed Hawk
Sandhill Crane
Killdeer
Ring-billed Gull
Rock Pigeon
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Horned Lark
Black-capped Chickadee
White-breasted Nuthatch
House Wren
Sedge Wren
Golden-crowned Kinglet
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Eastern Bluebird
Hermit Thrush
American Robin
American Pipit
Cedar Waxwing
Nashville Warbler
Common Yellowthroat
Palm Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warbler
Chipping Sparrow
Fox Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Harris's Sparrow
White-throated Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Lincoln's Sparrow
Swamp Sparrow
Eastern Towhee
Northern Cardinal
Indigo Bunting
Red-winged Blackbird
Brown-headed Cowbird
House Finch
Purple Finch
Pine Siskin
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow
All images © 2015 Mike McDowell