[EBB Sightings] Swamp Sparrow

Fellow birders: Finally, after several attempts, I saw the Swamp Sparrow in Livermore. I went with my friend Barbara Kelly this morning about 8:30 am. We walked on the concrete path out towards the fence and saw a man with binocs. sitting on a stool. Turns out it was Art Edwards himself! He told us the sparrow had been appearing feeding at the base of the reeds. We sat with him and finally saw the bird about 10:15. It appeared for about 5 minutes.
    It's clearly different looking than the White-crowned and Golden-crowned sparrows which abound in the area. More rufous colored on the sides with heavy black and white stripes on the back.
    We never would have waited so long if we hadn't run in to Art, whose birthday it is today. So thanks to you Art for sharing your knowledge wih us and happy birthday!
    If you've never been there before take the 1st St.Springtown exit from 580 in Livermore. Head east on Springtown about a mile and park on Rhododendron just before a low bridge over a creek. Head north on a path beside the creek to the beginning of the reeds.
Tim Howe

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