New thoughts on Buzzer Boy AKA Clay - colored Sparrow.  I believe along with some others that he has hybridized with a Chipping Sparrow.

1.  Although Sibley says they hybridize with Field Sparrows,  Rob Harlan sent us research that says they also hybridize with Chipping Sparrows.

2.  There are 3 adult Chipping Sparrows and only one Clay - colored Sparrow feeding in my yard.

3.  A pair of Chipping Sparrows had their young several weeks ago with both adults feeding the juvies.  These young birds are no longer being seen.

4.  Today 3 young birds were observed ( by Renee Tressler,  Su Snyder,  Greg Miller,  Bianca Davis,  my wife and myself ) being fed by both a Chipping Sparrow and the Clay - colored Sparrow.  Renee,  through much patience,  has pictures to document this.

5.  When all three adult Chipping Sparrows were on the ground feeding,  only one was feeding the juvenile birds.  The other two  ( which we take to be the pair that mated earlier ) had nothing to do with the juvies.

6.  Concerning the young,  two were similar but the third one was smaller,  heavier streaked and with more rufous on the wings.

7.  One last thought,  Buzzer Boy quit buzzing about June1.  Barb heard him buzz twice yesterday and once today.  That shoots the theory that the male impregnated a female and left. Ergo,  we would now be seeing the female instead of the male.  We can forget that.

I believe we have good evidence of a successful union between Buzzer Boy and a Chipping Sparrow. I tried to analyze this logically but, I don't know,  I may change my mind tomorrow.

Terry Sponseller

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