ML611169853

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

I was first alerted by a sparrow chip that sounded like a Lincoln’s but not exactly, while I was looking at some Savannah Sparrows. Scanned and saw a tiny, flat-topped orange sparrow on a broken thistle stalk near the ground maybe 20 ft from the trail. I initially considered Nelson’s but the habitat was wrong. I pished then remained motionless and silent with my camera poised, and just waited until it eventually came closer for photos after several minutes. It briefly came to the fence a bit away from me before disappearing again. Speckled nape and bright white medial crown stripe cemented the LeConte’s ID over Nelson’s. This is an extremely skulky bird and will not be easy to refind. Playback is unnecessary, as it regularly made a chip similar to a Lincoln’s Sparrow. Shortly after I spotted it, two off-leash dogs came barreling through the area and it scattered. This was on the west side of the loop trail, near the NW corner where it turns, looking to the west of the trail (lots of wests involved). I’ve only ever seen a LeConte’s Sparrow once before, in April 2020 at Hahamongna, but my report was never confirmed and I didn’t get a pic. I remember it immediately gave me the impression of a melting scoop of orange sherbet. That’s exactly what I got from this one, as well. My understanding is this is the 2nd county record, and the only California record for 2023. I have taken my time with reporting, to fully consider the impact on the bird and the habitat of the masses of people this will likely draw. I realize not everyone will agree with the delay, but I have a deep concern for the welfare of both the bird and grassland. I am hoping for the best.

Technical information

Model

DC-FZ80

ISO

80

Focal length

214.2 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/5.9

Shutter speed

1/125 sec

Dimensions

4896 pixels x 3672 pixels

Original file size

9.44 MB