Advanced Birding Series: Sparrow Identification with Alex Patia

Advanced Birding Series: Sparrow Identification with Alex Patia
Sunday September 27 th , 6:30 am 

$35/member, $50/non-member.

Trip difficulty: Easy. Walking distance: About 1.3 miles. Trip Duration: 2-2.5 hours. Elevation gain: None. Ground condition: Groomed gravel trails. Drinking water and restrooms available at the park’s entrance. Benches are available at periodic intervals around the wetlands.

Late September is peak fall migration activity at Sweetwater Wetlands! Fall migration is regarded by many birders as the best time of year given it is longer than spring migration, birds tend to linger longer at stop over sites, the overall volume of birds is much higher, and the chance of rare/ unusual birds is greater. Autumn is not without its challenges though as the vast majority of birds are either in juvenile or non-breeding plumage that makes them difficult to recognize. In this workshop we will take time to study the subtleties of sparrows in particular as several species move through or return
for their winter/ non-breeding season. Sparrow species we will likely encounter include our resident Abert’s Towhees and Song Sparrows, as well as newly arrived Green-tailed Towhee, White-crowned, Lincoln’s, Brewer’s, and Chipping Sparrows. Less common species can hide among these flocks like Clay-colored and Grasshopper Sparrows. Each day in fall brings new species so come join us and see what we can find!

Limited to 12 participants. Sweetwater Wetlands is located at 2511 W Sweetwater Dr.
Leader: Alex Patia

Header image: Lark Sparrow by David Kreidler