I missed the sighting of the Grasshopper Sparrow in the bushes east of Falconer's hill on Friday evening after work by about 30 minutes. I had an opportunity to quickly duck into the park and return to the same place/time Saturday evening. Immediately upon reaching the spot around 6:15pm I believe I saw it in the very same spot - sitting atop the bushes - at least I think it was since I've never seen one before. It had a buffy streak-less breast, pink legs, thick bill, a white eye ring and a very pronounced single white median head stripe. The face and back were otherwise non-descript almost like a non-breeding clay-colored but its the wrong time of year and I've read other reports saying this specimen is on the dull side. Unfortunately, no other birder was around, within a minute a passersby with dog forced it back into hiding, and I had to leave.
I hope this is encouraging news to continue looking for it today with improving weather. >From the Midtown Birder, Alan Drogin -- NYSbirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/NYSbirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/nysbirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/NYSBirds-L 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/NYSB.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
