Subject: [Tweeters] 2 "Red"Fox Sparrows at Nisqually NWR
Date: Mar 19 16:45:10 2007
From: Ruth and/or Patrick Sullivan - godwit513 at msn.com


Hello Tweets,

Today we ventured back to the Nisqually NWR in search for the "Red"Fox Sparrow that we located there yesterday afternoon. Our main mission was to obtain photos of the bird and since the weather was far different than yesterday we would be happy with any photos. We arrived at the Nisqually NWR shortly before 11am and parked our vehicle in the main parking lot,then walked a short distance through the secondary parking lot then onto a small gravel trail leading through an old apple orchard to the maintenance area. The main area where the "Red"Fox Sparrow was observed was checked first just behind the green Environmental Educational Center building,as well as shrubbery and riparian areas immediately north and south of the this and outside the fenced maintenance area. Conditions began very slow,as the rain fell and along with some wind birds seemed hunkered down,despite extensive "pishing", etc. to help entire the birds to come out. After waiting patiently under the covered area at the green Environmental Center building and sitting on one of 4 recycled plastic picnic tables 2 sparrows were observed at 11:45am foraging under thick vegetation next to a small apple tree grove. Upon closer inspection revealed 2 "RED"FOX SPARROWS,as they remained quite hidden under the thick,mossy brambles and fallen limbs. as the 2 "Red"Fox Sparrows kept foraging several quick and poor quality photos were obtained of one of the birds,while the other bird remained more concealed by thick vegetation and within 3 minutes both birds ventured further into the thick cover. Ovrall both birds were very shy and "skulky" and did not respond to "pishing" and any other metods of enticing the birds to come out.

We have placed 5 rather poor quality photos taken of the "Red"Fox Sparrow(s)from the Nisqually NWR onto our website,which can be accessed at the following link: http://www.pbase.com/godwit/recent_photos/ . In addition to the "Red"Fox Sparrow(s) we have also placed a few additional species taken from the Nisqually NWR onto the same gallery.

Both birds during the initial observation were nearly the same in overall plumage and coloration,but having the rather dark conditions at the time made the birds looks somewhat darker overall than they really were. Nonetheless, it was outstanding to see 2 birds of this rare Fox Sparrow subspecies in Washington at the same location and time. two hours went by,as we stood hoping to get better views and photos of the birds and at exactly 1:45pm one "Red"Fox Sparrow flew in from an unknown location and offered brief views,as well as additional photographs,as it scratched and foraged on the a bare area on the ground in the exact same location where both birds were noted earlier. This exact location is immediately south of the green Environmental Educational Center bordering a thick brushy,riparian areas next to a small grove of apple trees. This area can also be accessed by taking a paved road by foot off of the main road that leads to the main and secondary parking areas. It would probably be best not to block the small service road leading to the maintenance area in respect of refuge workers. During our visit and being Monday no workers were present since all services are closed until Wednesday and we believe it won't be a bother if birders come to visit the area where both "Red"Fox Sparrows are.

During times while waiting for the bird(s)the adult WHITE-THROATED SPARROW(tan-striped form)made 2 separate sightings beginning at 1pm then again at 2 pm from the same location where the "Red"Fox Sparrows were noted. During both observations the White-throated Sparrow was observed alone and briefly,but was present and allowed a few photos to also be obtained. Also noted at this location was our first female Rufous Hummingbird of the season,where it foraged in scattered Salmonberry bushes behind the thick brushy area between the green E.E.C building and I-5. 2-3 Brown Creepers were also observed at this location,as they foraged from tree to tree. Due to being so close to I-5 the noise from the steady traffic is quite irritating,which might be why the birding is so unpredictable and the key here is patience more than anything. It does help that there is a buffer between I-5 at the maintenance area that holds thick areas of trees and bushes,as well as a wetland area that is somewhat concealed. It can be quiet one minute and all of a sudden the birds come out.

Of additional note we wanted to mention that on route to the Nisqually NWR we observed 2 Turkey Vultures circling east of I-5 near Dupont in Pierce Co. A male Rufous Hummingbird made another appearance at our backyard hummingbird feeder this morning at 9am.



Good birding,

Ruth and Patrick Sullivan
Fircrest,WA
godwit513 at msn.com