Many Kinds of Sparrows

There are many kinds of sparrows in a bird book.  Just take a look at it to find how many you know.

Here is a summer bird named "Chipping Sparrow".  I have seen one many years ago, but finally this year one  returned to my backyard, just for several seconds.  

"I am new here."

Here is a Golden-crowned Sparrow.  They come in a flock in spring and autumn.  For a month or two, they hang around here.

"Hi, I am still staying here with my family.  

When the weather gets hot, we will go into the woods."

Here are a couple of White-crowned Sparrows.

"We may stay here longer until our little ones get out of the nest."

Happy to See You Back

Last spring was very cold, and some of the summer birds had to avoid my area to go up north.
This spring has been warm and now my wisteria is in full bloom.

When I was bird watching the other morning, I saw one bird who did not make it here last year.  That familiar reddish brown cap!

"Hi, I'm back.  I am a Chipping Sparrow, 

a summer bird, on the way to the north."

A New Face in the Backyard

Last few days have been warm like real spring. My magnolia tree is in full bloom now.

Today I found a new bird friend in my backyard.

First I thought it must be a Song Sparrow, but it wasn't because the head color was different.  As I checked through the pages of an Oregon Bird Book, I FOUND it.

"Yum, yum, I like your seeds."

This sparrow is called "Chipping Sparrow," which  just returned from the south to spend the summer in Oregon. 

 "I like your pear blossoms, too.  They smell sweet."

This sparrow has the roufous crown; therefore,  is the 2nd year or older.  Juveniles and 1st winter birds do not have the roufous color.

"Today I spent all day here.  I'll be back tomorrow."

Now that I found a new one, I wrote it down in my bird book.  The total count is already getting close to 50.   It is fun to bird watch and learn about them.