Friday, January 12, 2018

IPSWICH SPARROW COUNTERS WANTED!

We are embarking on a first-of-its-kind, citizen science study in January and February - a survey of wintering "Ipswich" Savannah Sparrows at selected sites throughout the coastline of New Jersey, from Sandy Hook in the north all the way around Cape May Point and up the Delaware Bayshore. Past observations have shown that the dunes and marshes of NJ are a preferred habitat for this unique subspecies with a restricted breeding range on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. We are also hoping to note the presence of color-banded individuals from the breeding grounds this past summer. We have selected the target dates of January 20 and February 17 for 2018 (with a bad weather day the following day). You can find out more about this fascinating bird in an article by Michael Kilpatrick in the 2017 Peregrine Observer - available to members or for purchase at NJ Audubon centers. If you have an interest in participating, and can identify and separate Ipswich Savannah Sparrows, please pass along you interest ASAP to Brett Ewald, Program Director at brett.ewald@njaudubon.org and get involved!

© Michael Kilpatrick


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