Sharp-tailed Sparrow in Northampton County! ~ November 12, 1996

Brian and Tiffany Hardiman found a Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County on November 11th. The next day, the bird was refound and netted and photographs were taken by Rick Wiltraut and Jason Horn.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County. Note the unstreaked gray nape, which helps separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow. Also note the dark face patch bordered by an orange triangle and the white streaks on the back.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County. Note the gray crown stripe and the unstreaked gray nape, which separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow. Also note the dark face patch bordered by an orange triangle, the dark streaking on the flanks and breast, and the white streaks on the back.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County. Note the gray crown stripe and the unstreaked gray nape, which separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow. Also note the dark face patch bordered by an orange triangle, the dark streaking on the flanks and breast, and the white streaks on the back.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County. Note the unstreaked gray nape, which helps separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow. Also note the dark face patch bordered by an orange triangle, the dark streaking on the flanks and breast, and the white streaks on the back.

Sharp-tailed Sparrow at Lake Minsi, Northampton County. Note the gray crown stripe, which helps separate this species from Le Conte's Sparrow. Also note the dark face patch bordered by an orange triangle, the dark streaking on the flanks and breast, and the white belly.

Obviously, this bird represents the 1st record for Northampton County and the Lehigh Valley area and one of a very few Pennsylvania records east of the Susquehanna River!

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