230. Golden-crowned Sparrow

Golden-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia atricapilla) are mainly spring and fall migrants at Leaning Oaks, although elsewhere on southern Vancouver Island they are common throughout the winter months, and have, very rarely, lingered and bred.  They are mostly skulkers, hiding in thickets and hedgerows, coming into the open to feed on seeds in the ground or in low weeds. In fall when they arrive they often sing, a mournful clear song that can be remembered as "Oh dear me" or "I'm so weary" which is the source of another common name "Weary Willie".  

---