Date: 11/6/24 3:26 pm From: Mark Holmgren via groups.io <maholmgren33...> Subject: [sbcobirding] Belding's Sparrows and inland Savannah Sparrows together at Carp Salt Marsh
Both of the common and expected forms of wintering Savannah Sparrows were
present at the
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve today. Photos of both forms are on this
checklist. https://ebird.org/checklist/S201606209 Some are unfamiliar with how Savannah Sparrows arrange themselves in SB
County along the coast and inland. Maybe this will clarify.
*Resident Savannah Sparrows*
*Belding’s Savannah Sparrows*, Calif. State Endangered sub-species, from
Baja Mexico (San Quintin Marsh) north to Devereux Slough
*Coastal Savannah Sparrows*, Santa Ynez River Estuary and Santa Maria River
Estuary and further north. There are no known resident Savannah Sparrow
populations between Devereux Slough and the Santa Ynez River Estuary.
These two forms are distinguishable only by measurements. Both live in
close association with Salicornia virginica (Pickleweed), though in winter
they can be found on beaches, jetties, or coastal dunes and bluffs not far
from their breeding habitats. This is perhaps a taxonomic distinction
only, and one that may change in time. One practical implication of this
is that Savannah Sparrows at either the SYRE or the SMRE would not be
called Belding’s Savannah Sparrows.
*Migratory Savannah Sparrows*
From inland western North American these visitors arrive in SB County in
mid-August and stay until early May. Most are found inland in the county,
but some close to the coast co-occur with the resident forms as I found
them today. With good views, and considering the effects of light on soft
parts, the migratory races can be distinguished from the resident forms.
See identification notes in the checklist.
*Large-billed Savannah Sparrow*, a northward winter migrant from the Gulf
of California, is also expected, but not common, along our coast between
September and February.
Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve is a UCSB-managed assemblage of multiple
properties owned by
homeowners and the University of California Natural Reserve System. Entry
is available by
application <https://rams.ucnrs.org> to the UCSB Natural Reserve System.
