Sparrows in the Thicket – LIFE IN THE LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER WATERSHED

As the annual autumn songbird migration begins to reach its end, native sparrows can be found concentrating in fallow fields, early successional thickets, and brushy margins along forest edges throughout the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed.

Brushy Thicket — A streamside thicket composed of seed-producing grasses and wildflowers as well as fruit-bearing shrubs and vines can be ideal habitat for migrating and wintering native sparrows.

Visit native sparrow habitat during mid-to-late November and you have a good chance of seeing these species and more…

The Song Sparrow can be found in woody brush and grassy margins from the shores of the Susquehanna all the way up to the ridgetops of the Appalachians.

Dark-eyed junco — During the colder months of the year, the Dark-eyed Junco is a familiar visitor to bird-feeding stations. Where suitable natural cover is present, they regularly venture into suburban and urban settings.

The White-throated Sparrow is commonly found in the company of juncos, but is generally less adventurous, being more likely in weedy fields near young woodlands than in suburban gardens.

The Eastern Towhee is a large native sparrow most often found in early successional growth near woodlands. Look for them in utility right-of-ways.

The elusive Fox Sparrow is a regular late-fall migrant. Few stay for the winter, but northbound birds can be seen as early as mid-February each year.

If you’re lucky enough to live where non-native House Sparrows won’t overrun your bird feeders, you can offer white millet as a supplement to the wild foods these beautiful sparrows might find in your garden sanctuary. Give it a try!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply