WCSP observations
Regarding the numbers of White-crowned Sparrows in CT
lately, I have a few observations to share. In my
experience, the numbers of WCSP in CT in the past 10
years are noticeably higher than they were 20+ years
ago. And more are appearing in spring (May) than did
long ago, as well. I can't begin to explain the
reasons for this apparent increase.
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see 5 or more at a
time, including a fair number of adult males, at least
in sw CT (lower Fairfield County).
And one final note. While Linda & I were at Monhegan
Is., Maine (a small Island of approx. 0.5 mi X 1.5 mi)
Sept 30 -Oct 3, there were huge numbers of both
White-crowned Sparrows and Purple Finches. Derek
Lovitch had estimated 175 WCSP on the island on 9/29.
And I personally counted 60 in view at one time in Tom
Martin's small yard (where he spreads birdseed on the
lawn) on 10/2. Also large numbers of purple finches
coming in for the seed as well.
Frank mantlik
Stratford, CT
Hi all -
I am probably the only one in CT to have NOT seen a White-crowned Sparrow in
the past few days ;-( but I hope that everybody making these sightings
will enter theirs reports into eBird. You don't even have to give the
whole list (although it would certainly be a good idea). The WCSP
sightings will make a fascinating map animation, and may well give us an
idea of which direction the wave originated - due north of us, northwest, or
maybe even coming down from the Maritimes, as Frank relates below.
Clay Taylor
Moodus, CT
ctaylor@att.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Frank Mantlik" mantlik@sbcglobal.net
To: "Birds CT" ctbirds@lists.ctbirding.org
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 10:39 PM
Subject: [CT Birds] WCSP observations
Regarding the numbers of White-crowned Sparrows in CT
lately, I have a few observations to share. In my
experience, the numbers of WCSP in CT in the past 10
years are noticeably higher than they were 20+ years
ago. And more are appearing in spring (May) than did
long ago, as well. I can't begin to explain the
reasons for this apparent increase.
Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see 5 or more at a
time, including a fair number of adult males, at least
in sw CT (lower Fairfield County).
And one final note. While Linda & I were at Monhegan
Is., Maine (a small Island of approx. 0.5 mi X 1.5 mi)
Sept 30 -Oct 3, there were huge numbers of both
White-crowned Sparrows and Purple Finches. Derek
Lovitch had estimated 175 WCSP on the island on 9/29.
And I personally counted 60 in view at one time in Tom
Martin's small yard (where he spreads birdseed on the
lawn) on 10/2. Also large numbers of purple finches
coming in for the seed as well.
Frank mantlik
Stratford, CT
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