I was surprised just a few minutes to look out in my backyard and see a Fox Sparrow cavorting with the House Sparrows, Juncos, and White-throated Sparrows. It flew off after about 15 seconds. But there must be a lot of them around, to come to my (pretty urban) backyard, and for me to look out my window at exactly the right moment.
Elizabeth Aubrey
Iowa City (east side, 2 blocks south of Hickory Hill Park)
From: <ia-bird...> <ia-bird...> On Behalf Of Doug & Nina Harr
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 15:55
To: IA-Bird ListServe <ia-bird...>
Subject: [ia-bird] Fox Sparrow explosion!
After lunch today I ran an errand to Boone, then drove through Ledges State Park to see what birds might be there. On Oriole Road down by river I stopped and counted at least 7 Fox Sparrows at one location. Then leaving Ledges out the SE entrance near the corner of 255th St. and P Ave,. I stopped to see a huge mixed flock of sparrows along the roadside--at least 17 Fox Sparrows, about 10 White-throats, plus a large number of Am. Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos. I decided to continue South to cross the river on E57, then head back home starting north on Magnolia Rd. In the next few miles I saw at about 20 Fox Sparrows scattered along the gravel road or crossing it. Spotting at least 44 Fox Sparrows in a little more than an hour was the most I have ever found in one day. They must be near peak migration!
