A couple of rare visitors to the Pacific Northwest

[squirl033]

Both of these birds are very rare west of the Rockies. The first, a Harris's sparrow, lives in central Canada and the central US, breeding in the far north of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories in Canada, and wintering in KS, NE, OK and central TX in the US. The second, a Dickcissel, breeds in the east/central US and winters in Central America. They're both quite a long way from their normal range, to say the least. These two were photographed in a mixed flock of sparrows on the outskirts of Tillamook, OR on Jan. 12th... Both were about 25 yards away, and are small birds, so even shot at 600mm. these are heavily cropped. Still, being able to capture these unusual birds was worth the trip!

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Rocky

Another pair of beaut images - your sparrows are vastly different from ours - we Downunder only have imported English sparrows by the millions. But we do however have millions of beautiful native birds as well - so that our 'birdies' can enjoy themselves just as you are

Phil

[squirl033]

Originally Posted by Ozzie_Traveller

G'day Rocky
Another pair of beaut images - your sparrows are vastly different from ours - we Downunder only have imported English sparrows by the millions. But we do however have millions of beautiful native birds as well - so that our 'birdies' can enjoy themselves just as you are
Phil

Thanks, Phil! Yeah, there are unique birds everywhere, endless variety! I enjoy adding rarities like these to my "collection", but I also love photographing even the most common birds when I get the right opportunities... For me it's as much about just getting outdoors and enjoying nature as it is about the photos!

[PRG29]

These sparrows are different in texture (having more colors) from Indian sparrow and looking bit large in size!

[DSP121]

Hey, it's so beautiful. The color of the sparrow is awesome. While it's quite different from our Indian birds. Liked to see all these new birds. Thanks for sharing.