Subject: Song Sparrows
Date: Dec 4 15:54:42 1994
From: MBEB1215 at delphi.com - MBEB1215 at delphi.com
I have been questioning my identification of Song Sparrows
recently. The main reason is a call I have not previously
associated with these birds. Do Song Sparrows have a call note
similar to one by House Finches? Peterson describes it as "chimp"
and Audubon "tchep". Perhaps I merely heard nearby Song Sparrows
while looking at House Finches once.
The birds I have identified as Song Sparrows resemble the so-
called Alaskan or Aleutian race, but are about Junco sized. Very
dark coloration with a dark eye stripe and gray over the eye.
Is it possible to confuse Fox Sparrows with Song Sparrows?
Next question. In the past it has not been unusual for my
elementary students to bring in items like feathers and nests.
Recently it came to my attention that this may be illegal. Since
then I have discouraged the practice. Is it illegal?
I know that people do possess licenses or permits that allow
such collection. What sort of credentials are required to obtain
one? Would it be possible for an elementary teacher?
Next time I find a nice orange-tinged flicker feather on the
ground, it would be nice to pick it up and take it to my classroom.
Michael Brown
MBEB1215 at DELPHI.COM
Puyallup, Washington