Sparrow Stake-Out at the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge/DuPont Environmental Education Center with Joe Francis and friends

American Tree Sparrow by Michael Moore

An opportunity to study many sparrow species!

Sparrows are a perennial challenge for beginning and experienced birders alike.  Here’s an opportunity to figure out those “LBJs” in comfort and style. 

To coax these shy creatures out of the brush, we’ll spend time divided into small groups and seated at strategic points along the Peterson Refuge trail network.  Expect good opportunities to study Song, Swamp, White-throated, Field, and Fox Sparrows as well as Juncos and Towhees.  There’s a decent chance of Savannah, Tree and Lincoln’s Sparrows as well as Orange-Crowned Warblers and Rusty Blackbirds.  And, who knows, perhaps a repeat of last year’s LeConte’s Sparrow or even a Vesper Sparrow (last seen there in 2015).

For this trip, we recommend bringing a folding stool or a cushion to lay atop a boulder or log.  Dress warmly, as we will be staying put for periods of time and the refuge can be breezy. 

Meet by the Russell Peterson statue in the parking area for the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Anyone needing basic information on sparrow ID or having other questions can email Joe at [email protected].

---