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