Lincoln's Sparrow: Micro Sparrow on Migration

Lincoln's Sparrow in my Regina, SK, backyard.  © SB

The micro-sparrows are now arriving, stopping off for bugs and seeds on their way to their more northern breeding grounds.

This week, Lincoln's Sparrow showed up — and despite its best efforts to remain hidden in the shrubbery or in constant motion in the sunshine, I managed to catch a few photos.

These small birds are a little drab. At a distance, in fact, they look to be a uniform gray-brown. Mouse-coloured. (With their size and darting movements, they strongly remind me of mice...)

But on a closer look, they are very attractive, with strong red-brown streaks against light feathers. And they are fun to watch, as they dart through the grass looking for food. (A challenge to photograph, but fun.)

Tiny Lincoln's Sparrow, after a successful bug-foraging expedition in my garden.
(Bug in Beak - Yum!) © SB 

Lincoln's Sparrow, in the shade of the lilac bushes. © SB

What are these? Lincoln's Sparrows
Location: Backyard, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Photo dates: May 2, 2016.

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Lincoln's Sparrows: Regina's April Backyard Birds

Lincoln's Sparrow stopping by for a snack.  ©SB

Lincoln's Sparrows are visiting my Regina, SK, backyard today.

Yeah for migration!

These little "drab but handsome" birds usually stop here in April through early May on their way to their more northern summer breeding grounds.

I enjoy watching Lincoln's Sparrows' perky bobbing movements through the grass and seeds under our feeders.

And I can understand why the Cornell Lab of Ornithology/All About Birds calls them drab but handsome... At a quick glance, I usually can't even see them — even when I know they're there! These dainty little birds blend very well with dirt, dried grass and seeds.

But look closer and they are truly beautiful, with dark, light, gray and coppery feathers.

Lincoln's Sparrow in our Regina, SK, backyard today.  ©SB

Lincoln's Sparrow  ©SB

What are these? Lincoln's Sparrows 

Location: Backyard, Saskatchewan, Canada.  

Photo date: April 25, 2015 and (image at top) May 20, 2014.

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