ML613633848

Age

Not specified

Sex

Not specified

Observation details

While originally presumed to be Bell's Sparrow in the field, further examination of photographs has suggested it is a Sagebrush Sparrow after Sage Sparrow expert Chris McCreedy provided this identification on iNaturalist. The photographs depict prominent streaking, as well as a light malar. Although the streaking is a characteristic shared by juvenile Bell's Sparrows, this possibility can be dismissed due to the date of observation. Despite some limitations in image quality, the malar is clearly pale in comparison to the darker lores and tail. Sighted along the trail, perched at 8:03 am, around (34.677211, -117.809604), amidst a flock of Bell's Sparrows, many of which were singing. This bird remained silent. Update 1/17 - Here is the response I got: "There are long dark dorsal streaks across the entire back of the individual. It would have been very helpful to see the malar streak, but it is hidden by the bird's shoulder. However, this looks beyond the range of variation in back streaking in Bell's Sparrow to me, and the lighting of the photograph is good, making me comfortable in that judgment. Also, while the malar streak is hidden, there is a substantial block of white feathers below the bill, between the bill and the obscured top of the malar streak, something that is more specific to Sagebrush Sparrow." Update 1/17 - Luca realized another of the Sage Sparrows we had seen was a Sagebrush Sparrow after reviewing photos. Both of these birds were seen at the same time so they are separate individuals. Although it seems likely that more Sagebrush Sparrows are present in the appropriate Los Angeles County habitat, the lack of documentation can, in part, be attributed to their skittish nature. It is important to remember this is a defense mechanism and an unclear idea of their status in the county makes it all the more important to prioritize the well-being of the species. This individual was seen well from the trail because, as is with all birding, it is a combination of both luck and observational skill. Actions such as going off trail simply for better views or bragging rights blemish the ideal that birders uphold of protecting the very birds they love. Some may find it tempting to venture far off trail in pursuit of such 'crushes' (though I presume they have enough in school), however, we chose to maintain an ethical approach and adhere to park rules by staying on designated trails. For any who may attempt to find Sagebrush Sparrows here in the near or distant future, remember that true birding is about respecting birds as a part of the natural world, not encroaching on these sensitive areas just for another tick off the list.

Technical information

Model

Canon EOS REBEL T2i

ISO

3200

Focal length

250 mm

Flash

Flash did not fire

f-stop

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/400 sec

Dimensions

1361 pixels x 907 pixels

Original file size

209.55 KB