Follow The Heat
"The birds flew around in a pair, in synchronization. Turning, twisting, and spinning there away across the road in a never ending dance" -Field notes 10/30/14
The birds I'm describing here are known as Sagebrush Sparrows. They are a common bird in this part of Nevada that nests here during the summer. Their not huge birds, all the ones I saw were no bigger than my hand. The interesting thing I noticed was I've been seeing these little singers for a couple weeks now but, I have never seen one alone. So I did the next logical thing anyone does when they have a question I Goggled it. What I found was very interesting. The Sagebrush Sparrow is actually a migratory bird that nests in this part of Nevada during the summer where it is a nice hot dry environment that is perfect for laying their eggs according to whatbird.com.
Migration range for the Sagebrush Sparrow
Then in the winter times when it gets to cold and frosty for the birds they migrate south to the border states and northern Mexico. This isn't what interests me about the birds though.
Well as we all know winter is here in the Sierras, so why am I still seeing these sun loving, beach bum birds who adore soaking up all the heat? Well luckily I found an answer. Sagebrush Sparrows migrate in small groups of up to 15 birds max but, if any of the birds get left by their flock they wont migrate with anyone else. They'll set up base camp and try to endure the cold harsh winter of the biggest little city in the world.
These birds aren't just connected to the sun by following its warm rays of light throughout the year, but they are also a overlooked beauty just like the sun is. While I was watching these birds I could see their darker heads pick up twigs along the ground and carry them up, up, up in till they were out of sight. I could also see there skinny little legs run across the pavement as I got closer and closer. These birds are a beauty of their own but, if you look below I can almost guarantee you've seen them before. So next time maybe the extra time to look closer will be worth it!
Dick, Gary. "WhatBird.com." Sagebrush Sparrow. Mitch Waite Group. Web. 2 Nov. 2014.
It seems so sad that they get left behind. I wonder how many survive. It makes me want to get a bird feeder.
ReplyDeleteI love your quote from your field notes it's vivid and beautiful. The voice in this blog just grabs my attention.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the birds are still around because even though it may be winter it's still getting pretty hot throughout the day. Great blog. The information you gave about the birds was really helpful.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad how if they get left behind they stay alone in the cold until they come back. I enjoyed how wordy and descriptive you got with your blog. I thought it was true how we do over look these birds, like your blog made me think about them and made me remember actually seeing all the birds in groups flying around in the sky. I enjoyed reading your blog it was ineresting.
ReplyDeleteThat's really bad for the sparrows because it gets really cold here. I'm freezing sometimes and I'm wearing layers underneath my clothes to stay warm. Just like Farias said, it would be a great idea to set bird feeders. Amazing blog.
ReplyDelete"Sun loving, beach bum birds who adore soaking up the heat" I love that. Wait, where do beach bums go during the winter? Any way next time I'm going around town I'll make sure that I look for these little birdies.
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