Date: 1/20/25 11:26 am From: Spencer Seale via groups.io <scs21...> Subject: [venturacobirding] Sagebrush Sparrow at Quatal Canyon
Hey all,
Yesterday I took my motorcycle up the 33 for a joy ride, and stopped briefly at a few different spots to bird. I decided to pull off at Quatal Canyon to check out the continuing Black-throated Sparrows originally found on 12/08/2024 by Lynn Oldt. I pulled over 3 miles in from the 33, and found a mixed flock of sparrows approximately here: (34.82588, -119.41093). The flock was surprisingly tight and consisted of canescens Bell's Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, and a lone Black-throated Sparrow (I couldn't confirm a second one was there). They were difficult to get close to, but I managed to sneak up on them a few times for some better views.
I then picked up on a sparrow quite similar to the Bell's, although this individual was lighter overall and less contrasting. What really drew my attention to this bird was the distinct dark streaking on its backside and faint lateral throat striping. I felt this bird was a good candidate for a SAGEBRUSH SPARROW. I managed to snap a few photos before the flock took off, never to be seen again.
Once I got home and did a little research, I found that the aforementioned field marks were consistent with that of a fresh nevadensis. Apparently this is a good year for the Sagebrush Sparrow, as there have been numerous records locally this winter (SB County just north of Ballinger Canyon, Carrizo Plain, etc.).
Dave Pereksta was on-site early this morning and found the same mixed flock of sparrows. He managed to get some great photos of the Sagebrush Sparrow and confirmed the ID. What he found really interesting was how tight the flock was. He had seen flocks similar to this in Mojave, but never locally during the winter.
This was a very unexpected sighting, but a reminder to always keep your mind open to the possibilities. As far as I know, this is a first for Ventura County! Stay tuned for Dave's stellar photos. My checklist can be found HERE ( https://ebird.org/checklist/S209827595 ).
