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Vesper Sparrow in NC - a sad story



Josh Rose has the right idea concerning Vesper Sparrow in NC. Back when
I began birding in the 60's, this was a fairly common spring and fall
migrant across NC, and I could often find a flock of 5-20 here and there
in March and april, and again late in October or November. They wintered
across much of NC at that time. Now, it is rather rare as a migrant, at
least very uncommon, and only a small number winter. A few winter here
and there in the SE coastal plain from about New Bern or Morehead City
southward, and then they winter in small numbers close to the SC line,
seemingly more west of Charlotte than east. In SC, it is not too scarce
at this time, and they are found on many CBC's there.
    The species still breeds in the northern NC mountains. In fact, they
may be more reliable there than anywhere else in NC, but even there they
tend to be on roadless grassy balds and meadows at the higher
elevations, typically on private lands well off of a road. I can usually
find one to several in a day of cruising the roads in Ashe, Alleghany,
or Watauga, stopping at very extensive grassy knolls with a few fence
posts, rocks, etc., and then listening very carefully, as they usually
sing from the middle of the field rather than along the fences along the
road. The most accessible spot by car is probably Rich Mountain Gap in
northern Watauga County.
    There is no secret to the massive decline -- habitat loss of
grasslands in the NE, mainly to residential and commercial development.
This has also taken a big toll on E. Meadowlark, Loggerhead Shrike,
Grasshopper Sparrow, Henslow's Sparrow, Upland Sandpiper, and a few
others.

--
Harry LeGrand
NC Natural Heritage Program
1615 MSC
Raleigh, NC 27699-1615
(919) 715-8687 (work)
FAX: 919-715-3085
e-mail: harry.legrand@ncmail.net