A few blurry photos of the Harris's Sparrow from Rockbridge County can be
viewed at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/36996835@N04/sets/72157623103474888/
Alex Merritt,
Rockbridge Baths, Va.
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At 10:30 this morning, I found an an adult Harris's Sparrow along Hyde Road
(Rt. 727) near Bustleburg, Va. The bird was frequenting a cattle feedlot
and some adjacent hedgerows with a group of 35-40 White-crowned Sparrows.
When I returned to the site at 11:00, I quickly refound the bird and was
able to shoot some distant photos, which I will post on the internet this
afternoon.
Directions to the site: From Interstate-81, take exit 205 and head west on
Raphine Road (Rt. 606). When Raphine Road ends, turn left onto the
Brownsburg Turnpike (Rt. 252) and travel south approximately 4 miles until
you reach Hyde Road (Rt. 727). Turn left on Hyde Road and drive 0.4 miles,
at which point you will see a small silo with a white cap and
a black trailer advertising a party supply company. The sparrow flock was
roving through this area, moving between the feedlot and the brush on both
sides of the road. The Harris's--an especially striking and cooperative
bird--occasionally came within 15 feet of the shoulder, perching up in the
brush and feeding on the open ground.
Alex Merritt,
Rockbridge Baths, Va.
