Warm Bath For American Tree Sparrow

Temperatures were up into the high 40s today, with sun shine melting much of the ice and snow. We are beginning to see some of the early spring migrants at our home, like large Grackle and Red-Winged Blackbird flocks.

At Hammonasset today, I spotted this little winter visitor--the American Tree Sparrow--taking a little bath in the warming ice melt. While others were quickly gathering seed in mixed flocks, some were getting a mid-afternoon cleaning.

I wonder if he is getting ready for his trip to the north.