Nelson's Sparrow at Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve

Birding at high tide this morning with Janis Cadwallader and joined by Max Leibowitz, Char Glacy, and a few others. Best birds were Nelson's Sparrow, spotted by Max after about an hour and half, along with a Northern Waterthrush, and Marsh Wren. Another birder (Judy from L.A.) reported seeing (and had photos) of a sage thrush south of the platform, near Crown Point Park.

After seeing at least 20 Savannah Sparrows hopping about in the scrub and along the fence, Max spotted the Nelson's at 10:45 a.m., and we observed the bird until 11:08 a.m., when a Cooper's Hawk flew in and the sparrow dove deep into the scrub. We saw the bird north of the observation platform, near the storm drain outlet. It perched in the tall dry brush east of the fence, gradually moving higher until it came out in full view. That's when the hawk arrived, but not soon enough to grab Mr. Nelson. Photos on eBird: https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S50901261

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Larry Edwards
San Diego, CA
Source: SanDiegoRegionBirding Latest Reports