White-throated Sparrow | Sitka Nature

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

Observed 9 November 2007 along road near Path of Hope Parking area.

Today I had the opportunity to observe a White-throated Sparrow for the first time. I did not realize how striking they are, but the bright white throat with white lines on the head, accented by a little bit of gold just in front of the eyes made this bird really stand out. White-throated Sparrows are considered Casual in the Sitka Area, though it seems that on the few occasions when they have shown up this time of year, they stayed for some time. Of course there is no telling how long this one has already been around.

I saw this bird near the parking area for the Path of Hope by Moller Park. There were lots of juncos and several other sparrows in the area taking advantage of brushy and wooded habitat and at least a couple of bird feeders in yards of nearby houses.