Lark Sparrow Nest With Eggs Photographs, Near Skull Valley, Arizona

Photos by Greg Clark, June 12, 1999

For the past three years I have been trying to find a nest for Lark Sparrow. Occasionally, a breeding confirmation can be made by seeing an adult carrying food. But finding the nest is a very frustrating experience. This year, during a Breeding Bird Survey for U.S Fish and Wildlife, I was driving the car while Tim did the actual survey work. During a stop,while Tim was counting birds, I saw a Lark Sparrow carrying a bug. The sparrow watched me for about two minutes and then decided to take the bug to the nest. I followed and found the other adult running on the ground a short distance from where the first adult brought the bug. After a short search I finally found the nest on the ground under a very small cholla cactus. Apparently, one adult was bringing food to the other adult sitting on the nest. Lark Sparrows have very pretty eggs compared to other sparrows.

A view of the cactus with the Lark Sparrow nest at its base. The cactus is only about 25 cm tall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Copyright Greg Clark, 1999