Rondeau Ric

Chatham-Kent, June 25, 2023. up on a rare bird posting and the bird was exactly where it ws said to be. Birders will know how rare that is. Took this image through the moon roof or the car. Spiza americana. In preparation for fall migration, Dickcissels assemble into larger and larger flocks that can reach into the thousands. On their wintering grounds, these flocks can number in the millions of birds. source -Cornell Lab of Ornithology

An unusual visitor this time of year. Seen at friend Davids water feature which is just down the road from us. It was with a large flock of house sparrows. Felt like we were playing - one of these is not the same. Spiza americana. In preparation for fall migration, Dickcissels assemble into larger and larger flocks that can reach into the thousands. On their wintering grounds, these flocks can number in the millions of birds.

While wandering in a meadow full of ticks we saw numerous dickcissels. None were in breeding plumage but we still got to see them. Spiza americana Nearly all Dickcissels winter far south of their breeding range, but each year small numbers can be found scattered within the breeding range throughout the winter. Individual Dickcissels frequently turn up far from the normal range, often joining in with House Sparrow flocks.