BirdWeb: Birds Connect Seattle's Guide to the Birds of Washington State
Bird of the Week
Fox Sparrow
Passerella iliaca
There are four races of Fox Sparrows that occur across North America, two of which are seen in Washington State. The "Sooty" Fox Sparrow winters in Washington, and the "Slate-colored" Fox Sparrow breeds in the eastern Cascade Mountains.
Birding Site of the Week
Port Susan Bay
Puget Trough
Port Susan Bay provides critical habitat for large numbers of shorebirds and flocks of wintering ducks. In winter, expect to find Trumpeter and Tundra Swans and large numbers of Snow Geese foraging along the shoreline and in the fields. Raptors, including Short-eared Owls and Rough-legged Hawks, are seen regularly. Hedgerows provide wintering habitat for sparrows. The Nature Conservancy provides public access, but visitors need to make prior arrangements.