Sparrow Notes from Fresno County, California
Sparrow Notes from Fresno County, California
In my notes on the Brewer Sparrow in the November-December CONDOR I might have stated that these little sparrows are resident throughout the entire winter, frequenting much the same area as does the Western Vesper Sparrow (Pooecetes gramineus confinis). December 26, 1910, I found several Spizella breweri in an old weed-grown berry patch that was bordered on the south by a peach orchard and on the other three sides by vineyards. One specimen was taken and is now in my collection. November 20 I observed two Slate-colored Sparrows (Passerella iliaca schistacea) and on the twenty-fourth another which was secured. This bird was associated with a large flock of mixed sparrows. The day after Christmas I also found two or three Forbush Sparrows (Melospizi lincolni striata) in a large brush pile at the edge of a weedy pasture. One was collected. All these birds were found within a few miles of Fresno.
Mr. Joseph Sloanaker informs me that on the plains near Raisin City, fifteen miles southwest of Fresno, he finds the California Sage Sparrow (Amphispiza nevadensis canescens) to be very common during the winter. I have a specimen from there taken December 11, 1910.
