It’s an odd thing when I see a familiar eastern bird out here in the Mountain West. This phenomenon extends even to Mourning Doves—but mostly it’s birds like Black-capped Chickadees or (especially) Song Sparrows.
I’ve seen a total of two Song Sparrows in my month (exactly) in Utah, both in a bush out front. Compare that to scores of House Sparrows, House Finches, Black-billed Magpies—even scrub jays. I’ve seen more Lazuli Buntings than Song Sparrows.
It makes them seem more precious somehow (although they’ve always been precious to me).
East Millcreek List
No mountain hike today, but here’s what I saw and/or heard.
1. Black-billed Magpie
2. House Finch
3. House Sparrow
4. Eurasian Collared Dove
5. California Quail
6. Song Sparrow
Tags: black-billed magpie, California quail, Eurasian collared dove, house finch, house sparrow, song sparrow
