Harris' Sparrow in Albany - 15th Nov

Earlier in the week a Harris' Sparrow was reported from a back garden in Albany, about 2 hours drive north. There was some doubt as to whether the homeowner would allow random birders to tramp around his garden, but it all got sorted, so Sunday morning saw me speeding up the highway. I got on site at about 8:15, and had the bird within seconds. The initial views were slightly obstructed, but soon enough it popped out to feed in the open. A fantastic looking, quite large sparrow (certainly compared to the nearby Dark-eyed Juncos). Very strongly marked, it is quite unmistakeable. According to ebird they turn up about every 2 - 3 years at a twitchable distance from NYC, so not exactly a mega, but a rare enough to get the blood flowing.

The bird was attracted to the feeders in the back garden. Other birds similarly feeding were: Red-breasted Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse and American Goldfinch

Adult non-breeding Harris' Sparrow. The most obvious feature is the stonking great black face and crown, followed by the white belly and the lovely pink bill.