Date: 3/19/25 8:04 pm From: Dave Weber via groups.io <dwbirdster...> Subject: [southbaybirds] Deceased Grasshopper Sparrow at Ed Levin CP Mar 19
I was on the paved Launch Site Rd at Ed Levin CP this afternoon, not far after passing the Ridge Trail gate, when I noticed a dead sparrow stuck on the barbed wire fence along the road. I saw this bird yesterday while watching pipits come and go on the fence. Since it did move, I dismissed it as clump of dead weeds. Today I ID’d it as a Grasshopper Sparrow. Bill and head shape are good for the species, as are the solidly yellow forward supercilium; black crown stripe; and the rufous, black, and gray back. The breast appears to be split open. A photo is attached. This raises several questions: 1) If this bird died last year, would it still be so bright? 2) Have Grasshopper Sparrow arrived already? Last year there were many Grasshopper Sparrows in this area. 3) Could a shrike have done this? I have not seen the local shrike for many weeks now. 4) Or some other raptor, like an owl:😉? I will take a guess and say that this bird impaled itself or became otherwise stuck on the barbed wire (note that it seems to be stuck at the bend in the wing).
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
