Large sparrow ID question - So. Cal. (1 Viewer)

[dant1999]

I saw this bird near Los Angeles today. It was with lark sparrows but I wasn't entirely convinced this was also a lark sparrow (seemed a little larger, had white edges to the wings, light streaking on the breast -- lark bunting?). Any thoughts as to what this is?

 

[Trubrit]

I'm thinking female Black-headed Grosbeak, but we'd better wait for some of the more advanced birders.

 

[KenM]

Lark Bunting.

Cheers

 

[The Falcon]

Lark Bunting indeed.

 

[Trubrit]

Well there you go. You (as in I) learn something new everyday.

 

[KenM]

Well there you go. You (as in I) learn something new everyday.

Your not alone...and hopefully we all do!

 

[Tiraya]

Certainly a lark bunting, a nice bird for so Cal. I don't suppose it was near Agoura Hills?

 

[dant1999]

It was at Lake Balboa near Encino so not all that far from Agoura Hills.

 

[Tiraya]

Ah, sounds about right. Generally the lark buntings are reported with the sparrow migrations around the northern part of LA, so that sounds like the right place. You might want to report the sighting to Los Angeles Co birding on yahoo groups.

I can report it for you if you don't have a yahoo/google account.