Documentation of
Golden-crowned Sparrow
2013-322
Observer Information
Reporter:
Mike Henwood
2668 Dahlia Ct.,
Grand Junction,
CO 81506
E-mail:
mhawkhen@gmail.com
Other Observers:
Species, Date, Time and Location Information
Species:
Golden-crowned Sparrow
First Date/Time:
11/5/2013 12:05:00 PM
Last Date/Time:
12/30/2013 1:00:00 AM
Duration (total time in view):
2-3 minutes
County:
Jefferson
Specific Location:
Morrison
Number:
1
Age:
Adult
Sex:
Unknown
Plumage:
Non-breeding
Habitat
Red Rocks Trading Post tiered feeders bordered by thick brush
Viewing Conditions
Optics:
Vortex StokeDLS 8x42;
Distance:
20-25 yards
Light:
good light during middle of day
Description of the Bird
The GCSP came into the flat rock below the upper apple tree and fed for a couple of minutes. The head had a lemon yellow median crown stripe fading to gray toward the backof the head, which was bordered by 2 broad black stripes running from the bill, above the eye, to the back of the head. The upper mandible of the bill was gray and darker than the lower mandible. The eye was dark with a brown iris. The lores were gray as were the ear coverts. The nape was brownish gray. The underparts showed a light gray, almost whitish throat, gray sides of the neck and breast becoming paler on the belly and buffy on the flanks. Legs were brownish pink and the long tail was slightly notched. The wings showed contrastling black, brown, and white coloring.
Similar Species Discussion
The only bird similar would be the first year White-crowned Sparrow. The lemon yellow crown bordered by black stripes, the unmarked face with a dark eye is different than the first year White-crowned Sparrow with a buffy median crown-stripe and supercilium, bordered by a light rusty brown lateral crown-stripes and eye stripes.
Resources Used
I knew what the bird was from past sightings. The Sibley Guide to Birds is my main reference source, but I didn't need to consult it.
Previous Experience
I have observed this bird at the feeders behind the Red Rocks Trading Post for the past 4 years as well as seeing the bird in the state of Washington on numerous occasions.
Notes
Notes made AFTER observation
Date Documentation Submitted
12/30/2013 9:46:00 PM
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Location Map
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