Fox sparrow 2

Another Fox Sparrow (97% sure) Came home from work and there were feathers everywhere.

A similar species, the Song Sparrow has an all-dark colored bill and the Fox Sparrow has a lighter lower mandible. The interior subspecies of fox sparrow has a bright reddish brown tail that contrasts in color with the back feathers. Fox Sparrows are smaller and darker brown in southeast Alaska than those found to the North.

Habitat preferences is shrubs and branches. Usually nests under shrubs or low in trees. Eggs are 2-4 in number and pale green with reddish markings. Two broods per year. 12-14 days of incubation followed by 10-11 fledgling days.

Golden crowned-kinglet

This morning while I was filling my coffee cup to run out the door to work when Alva greeted me with her find. A Golden crowned-kinglet. Alva is still pretty weirded out when I take her treasure away and "play" with it. I didnt have much time other than take some pictures so I wrapped the bird in plastic wrap and threw it in my bag. On the way to work I saw shawn and asked him what he might think it is. Latter he called suggesting a ruby crowned kinglet which is a very good guess! Hey James and Lisa- check out the cd on the player

Small birds 3.1 - 4.3 cm in length. Slightly bigger than a humming bird.

Golden crowned-kinglets winter in Canada and Alaska. Usually have two lg broods per year 8-9. Female feeds lg. brood on the first day after the brood leaves the nest only then she starts laying the second set of eggs for the year.

Nostrils are covered by a single tiny feather

Yellow crown and orange center in males. (This is a male) Look at that color! Dull olive color on rest of body.