I had time for a quick scan of my back yard before heading in to work this morning. I was looking for the Tree Sparrows that Hap in New Hope said were in the area. No Tree Sparrows, but I did spot this Lincoln's Sparrow! At least I thought it was a Lincoln's so I fired off an email to Hap with a few photos for a consultation.
Yahoo! Hap confirmed it! I sent a copy to Bob
Janssen, one of the sparrow workshop leaders from last October and he agreed, stating that it's a rare sighting in Minnesota in winter.
Poor thing, it looks pretty cold. He should have left for warmer southern climates in early November.
Maybe he'll stick around a while. I'll be sure to keep the feeders full and spread some on the ground too.
I had time for a quick scan of my back yard before heading in to work this morning. I was looking for the Tree Sparrows that Hap in New Hope said were in the area. No Tree Sparrows, but I did spot this Lincoln's Sparrow! At least I thought it was a Lincoln's so I fired off an email to Hap with a few photos for a consultation. 
Yahoo! Hap confirmed it! I sent a copy to Bob Janssen, one of the sparrow workshop leaders from last October and he agreed, stating that it's a rare sighting in Minnesota in winter.
Poor thing, it looks pretty cold. He should have left for warmer southern climates in early November.
Maybe he'll stick around a while. I'll be sure to keep the feeders full and spread some on the ground too.
36 comments:
Suh-Weet!
My only look at a Lincoln's was about 0.3 seconds long and through a tangle of vines.
Seeing the unexpected is always a welcome rush. That's great that you got a cool visitor to your home.
Happy Holidays.
Congratulations! I'm not sure I've seen one ANY time of the year. Isn't it fun to find something new in your own yard?
It is always soooooo great when we get to see the unexpected. And to add to it, you id'd correctly! I think I id them, then find out close, but no horseshoes. I do appreciate the help I get because I am not good at the id the first time. Once I learn them, I can continue to pick them out. It is that first time, so hard for me.
What a sweetie! So glad he decided to stay with you where he knew he'd be fed. :c)
Sweet photos! Its so special to see a new species and one so rare for the winter. Glad he had your feeders for nourishment.
Some sparrows are just beautiful and this is one of them. Wonder how long he will stick around.
Little blessings come in unexpected ways.Yours came in the form of a beautiful Lincoln Sparrow.Great photos to remember him by.
Blessings,Ruth
You surely know your sparrows! Great ID and great shots.
Congratulations on this spotting! You do know your sparrows! How wonderful to know what these guys are, I saw something like this yesterday and thought to myself that it sure didn't look like a house sparrow but I don't know my sparrows. I'll be on the lookout today to see if they are Lincoln's. If not I'll send you a photo for id :-)
I keep learning--I am such a non-birder I didn't even know there was a Lincoln sparrow. Love the racing stripes on its head.
That's cool Lynne! and in your very own backyard! Congratulations!
We just found your blog. What a great site and such wonderful photos! It always nice to see and hear about other people yards. Thanks!
Wow Lynne!
Great pictures!! So, that guy is a rare sighting over there right now and you got to see it... WAY TO GO!!
I hope he stays for a while :)
When I saw 'Lincoln' I thought of Abe, but wow, I have never seen this bird so was glad you got a shot of it.
What a treasure, Lynne! He found the perfect spot to winter! I really like your photos, too!
Lynne, Great photos! I hope your Lincoln's is okay--though after all that food it should be. usually when I see them, getting a photos is impossible. They are the *nastiest* little birds to photograph. They move faster than I can blink (let alone raise my camera)
Carolyn H.
I have never met him before, but it looks like a very pleasant surprise.
Poor little guy. I hope he can puff himself up enough to stay alive in your cold weather.
I wonder if we get any Lincolns here in the DC area? I can only distinquish between HOSP and White Throated!
Kewl!! With you to feed it, it will be fine!
Thanks Everyone. I sure hope he makes it throught this cold snap we're having here. I'll be sure to keep feed and water available.
Thanks to you all who are new visitors. I appreciate your stopping by here.
suh-WEET sparrow! I am boiling over with jealousy that you had a LINCOLN'S Sparrow as a Yard Bird. I wonder who I have to bribe to get one here ....
Talk to Ruthie - maybe she can knit him a tiny hat and scarf set to keep him warm!
~Kathi
Congrats at that great spot! I don't know that I've ever seen a Lincoln's.
Yes indeed great pics and a special moment!
Linne,
Here I am again, bringing up the rear.
Why do you always have the coolest birds? Your birds are all lifers - for me :o)
May, jealous of your photos, as usual
Great find Lynne!!!
Aw... poor little guy! Hope he makes it to a warmer area! Maybe he'll find shelter still in your yard even if it's below freezing!
Dear Lynne,
How exciting!!
Learning the different Sparrows is as difficult as the Warblers. It is always such a delight, at my house, when a new to the backyard bird comes in. I have never id a Lincoln Sparrow. I shall be on the lookout.
You have lovely birds and great photographs. I learn so much from you. Thank you!
May you have a Happy Christmas.
Looking forward to 2009 and birding with you!
Namaste,
Sherry
I love all his speckles - great shots!
No wonder I haven't seen him in my backyard this winter! He's still up there with you! Tell him to get his feathered fanny down here before he freezes it off! Glad you got to see him though!
Maybe I need to go on a Sparrow workshop ;-) CONGRATS!
I hope he does stick around for you. You got some great pictures of him.
What a blessing to be visited by such a sweet bird. I hope he does well.
Enjoy a glorious holiday!
Lynne, Merry Christmas
Great visitor! In celebration you should do a reading of the Gettysburg Address!
great bird pics
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