Despite the wet weather, at least it was not windy, I checked the water and area around Semiahmoo Resort.

Normally I do not check sparrow flocks too closely but I'm working on getting better at quickly telling White-crowned and Golden-crowned Sparrows apart ... in their more similar looking plumage. One bird stood out as different. The broad bright eyebrow really separated it from the other sparrows.

Snapped a few shots from my car window, most were blurry. Putting the window up to keep the rain out I scanned my birding apps and could not find a great match right away. Only when I got home could I 'positively' ID it after finding a few less blurry shots. This was only my 3rd viewing of one. The other viewings were of the white form with much more distinct white throat and facial markings.


Also of interest, at least to me, a couple of Greater White-fronted-ish Geese. Maybe hybrids, domestic or in transitional plumage? They were in a huge mix of waterfowl at Birch Bay. photo link below




https://flic.kr/p/YvDQcE

[X]White-throated Sparrow<https://flic.kr/p/YvDQcE>
Tan form. Feeding on the ground with a mixed flock of Juncos, Golden & White-crowned Sparrows. Semiahmoo, Blaine WA

[https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4508/37091538684_1fd68dda97_b.jpg] <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/37091538684/>
[https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4508/37091538684_1fd68dda97_b.jpg]


https://flic.kr/p/ZxzWzq
[X]Greater White-fronted-ish Goose<https://flic.kr/p/ZxzWzq>
I'm not sure if these are hybrids, domestic or in a transitional plumage.

[https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/37769769442_1d2dab3af0_b.jpg] <https://www.flickr.com/photos/ericellingson/37769769442/>
[https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4504/37769769442_1d2dab3af0_b.jpg]


Birding in the rain from my car.



Eric Ellingson