American Tree Sparrow: First Regina Backyard Migrating Bird

We've had a very mild winter, and I've been watching and waiting for the birds, wondering whether migration would start earlier this year because of our snow-free weather. And this afternoon, an American Tree Sparrow answered that question. For me, at least. At least with respect to the limited sample size of birds that land in my Regina, Saskatchewan backyard.

The first migratory bird of the year... 
An American Tree Sparrow stops off to feed on its flight back north.  © SB

This American Tree Sparrow blended well with the other backyard birds (the regular crew of House Sparrows and House Finches), but then the white feathers on its wings caught my eye, and when I looked closer, I noticed its rusty crown and eye stripe. 

And yes, it's early — if not in its arriving, then in my noticing of it. Checking back in this blog, I see that they usually pass by my yard anywhere from the beginning of April to the end of that month. 

Welcome, to a sign of Spring! 

And... Because I'm back to French classes, I'm happy to say that in French this is a Bruant hudsonien, and also that I'm delighted to have found Sibley's guide to North American bird names in French today!  

What is this? American Tree Sparrow .

Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: March 14, 2016.

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American Tree Sparrow Flying Through at Dusk

Waiting for migratory sparrows to arrive in my backyard, I remembered that one has already visited — an American Tree Sparrow that flew through at dusk a few weeks ago. It checked out the scattered bird seed on the grass in our Regina, SK, backyard in the late light of the day, but by morning, our early visitor — notable for its bright rusty crown and eye streak — was gone.

American Tree Sparrow  © SB

American Tree Sparrow    ©SB

What is this? American Tree Sparrow.

Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: April 9, 2015.

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American Tree Sparrow: May Backyard Sparrows (2)

Two native sparrows that migrate through my Saskatchewan backyard, American Tree Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows, look very much alike. To me, at least. Both are grey and brown with red-capped heads...

But the Tree Sparrow a rufus/red eye line, The Sibley Guide to Birds explains, and the Chipping Sparrow has a black eye line, with white above it... And the Tree Sparrow has a two-coloured beak, yellow and black, while the Chipping Sparrow's beak is black alone... And the Tree Sparrow has a bit more colour on its breast... And...

In any case, the post below features a Chipping Sparrow, my first backyard Regina sparrow for May. And here is an American Tree Sparrow:

American Tree Sparrow - with rufus eye line and half yellow beak © SB

What is this? American Tree Sparrow.

Location: North of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: April 29, 2013.

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American Tree Sparrow: Close-up in Regina, SK

A clearer, close-up picture of the American Tree Sparrow that's visited my backyard in the past few days. This little bird is getting braver, leaving the lilac bushes to hop around the feeders, looking for seeds. (That's a sunflower seed in its mouth, below, not a black beard beneath its beak...)

Migrating American Tree Sparrow, with sunflower seed,
now brave enough to come to close to the house to find food.   © SB

What is this? An American Tree Sparrow, stopping during its migration north.
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: April 4, 2013. (Still mega snow...)

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American Tree Sparrows Arrive in Regina, Saskatchewan

Another wonderful sign of spring: American Tree Sparrows have arrived back in Regina, Saskatchewan — I wonder what they think of our remaining three feet of snow?

These red and gray native birds winter across the U.S., migrate through southern Canada, and summer in the north: the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Alaska. They're songbirds (yeah!), so a lovely — if temporary — addition to our backyard flock.

Two shots of the most visible
American Tree Sparrow.  © SB

I love that red crowned head! © SB

The American Tree Sparrows in my yard were shy, perhaps just because this was their first day near our feeders? If so, perhaps they'll be more bold if they stay a while? Whatever the reason, the two that dropped by hid deep in the lilacs and back near the garage.

I love their red heads and crisp marking — a lovely change from our resident gray and black House Sparrows.


What is this? An American Tree Sparrow, migrating north
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.   

Photo date: April 3, 2013. 

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