10/10/2024. Early this morning, a Clay-colored Sparrow again graced Willard’s Island at Hammo, perched elegantly on a mid-lower branch of a tree at the end of the right path, next to the bench. It was my first sighting of this lovely bird, and I was thrilled when my friend and mentor, Scott Roxbrough, confirmed its identity. Could it be the same individual that was spotted in the parking lot? It was a very lively morning on Willard. Other observed species included: - Northern Parulas - Black-pole Warbler (first year, injured leg) - Yellow-rumors Warblers - Marsh Wrens - 6 Ospreys - Northern Harrier - White-throated Sparrows (my favorite whistler of the North!) - Song Sparrows - Bluejays - Grey Catbirds - Eastern Phoebes - Red-winged Blackbirds - still hundreds of Tree Swallows feeding low - Cormorants - heard Yellowlegs - Northern Cardinal - White-breasted Nuthatch - Brown Thrasher - Black-capped Chickadees - Tufted Titmice It was a chilly but most beautiful autumn morning. Have a lovely rest of your day! Best, Sylwia Rosinska Madison