The Return of the American Tree Sparrow

Every winter I wait for the arrival of these little brown birds. They have such cute faces, and I love their two-toned yellow and black bills. I never know when they will arrive, but usually they seem to fly in on the night winds of a cold arctic blast, peppering the white snow around the feeders outside the kitchen window early the next morning. Nearly 2000 miles from their Arctic homes, these little birds bring a welcome surprise to our cold, gray winter days.

American Tree Sparrows Outside my Kitchen Window

Our little flock numbers seven right now. Last year, we started with three and moved up to 20 by mid-February. I hope we get another big winter storm soon to up our American Tree Sparrow numbers!