Between about 35 and 20 years ago, I and others found SWAMP SPARROW here
regularly in winter, mostly when Dave Budeau managed the WMA, and I
remember Matt Hunter, I think, had located a Long-eared Owl roost that
persisted for a few years at least. I stopped going in to the roost area,
thinking it was too much disturbance, and I do not know if those owls are
still around.
SWAMP SPARROW this morning was in the same spot they always were, a little
more than 1/2 mile north and westish of HQ along a ditch and wet area, near
a handicap preference hunter blind. It might be wise to wear orange or red
now this is the time of year people might be taking shots at things that
move in the bushes, and the area is almost unique in that it gives access
to hunting for people in wheelchairs or otherwise handicapped as it is an
old military base with streets crisscrossing everywhere...the bird I saw
today looked to be in its first winter, but underside streaking was diffuse
or nearly absent, with nice rufous wings and shoulder. Throat has more
extensive white than in similar sized LINCOLN'S SPARROWS which were also
around in the very same place. It was eating seeds from the head of a
composite down low near the water. I am telling you all of this because I
do not recall seeing reports of Swamp Sparrow (or LEOW) in recent years,
other than Joel's mention of hearing SWSP earlier this year in another part
of the WMA. This might be old news to Corvallis birders, first time I've
checked the SWSP spot in some years.
I appreciate your sign along the highway, Joel. Seriously.
Roy Gerig, Salem OR
