Ontbirders, This afternoon I found a Leconte's Sparrow in Pittock Lake Provincial Park. The bird was initially feeding in the unmanaged area of the park [part of the frisbee golf course], in a weedy patch, eventually flushing up into the adjacent thicket, giving long and obliging views.
The bird is in extremely fresh and bright plumage and made quite a sight contrasting with the [never-ending] freshly fallen snow. After spending [literally] decades tromping through Oxford Co.s weedy fields and meadows in October [without luck], it was more than a little surprising to find this bird in April, in the snow! This is only the 2nd ever county record, the 1st also a spring bird, back in 1986. Directions - From Vansittart, go north to 59 Hwy. Travel 1 km. Take Pittock Park Road east to the park gates. The park is not yet open, so park at the gate and walk in. Follow the paved road to the west. It will turn to gravel and pass over a creek that empties into Pittock Lake. Just west and north of the creek you will see an area of weedy meadow. The sparrow was here, eventually moving to the thicket just to the east. Cheers, James Holdsworth, Biological Consulting Services 14 Marian St, RR#1 Woodstock, On, N4S-7V6 [519]537-2027 [519]535-8760 [cell] [email protected] _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to [email protected] For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
