American Tree Sparrow foraging on the bare ground, Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, UtahAmerican Tree Sparrow foraging on the bare ground – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

A lot of birders and birder photographers look forward to this time of the year to spot their first of season Rough-legged Hawks, their first of the season Bald Eagle in the valley or their first of season Merlins and I do too because I have been missing seeing them. I am also anxiously awaiting my first of season American Tree Sparrows along with the other smaller birds I only see in the autumn, winter and early spring equally as much. It is easy for me to spot the larger birds but the little ones are a bit more of a challenge and when I find them I am thrilled.

American Tree Sparrow sitting in snow, Antelope Island State Park, Davis County, UtahAmerican Tree Sparrow sitting in snow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light

I checked eBird this morning and I only see one person reporting American Tree Sparrows so far this autumn in northern Utah so hopefully that means one more cold front pushing through and I will be seeing these long-tailed, rusty capped sparrows with their gray heads, rusty eyelines and bicolored bills. American Tree Sparrows breed in northern Canada and Alaska and overwinter in northern and central North America. I’m fortunate that they overwinter here in Utah and I can’t wait until I see one this fall or winter.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my American Tree Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.