Birds of the Lower Ohio River Valley in West Virginia

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TOWHEES, SPARROWS, JUNCO, LONGSPURS, SNOW BUNTING

Lark Sparrow  Chondestes grammacus

WINTER:  NO RECORDS.

SUMMER:  Previously abundant breeding species in central West Virginia to 1925 (Brooks 1944).  One on 18 August 1956 at McClintic WMA is the most recent summer record in our area (GH, Smith 1996).

MIGRATION:

 Spring:  Casual Migrant prior to the mid-1950's from mid-March to early May (Edeburn et al. 1960, Kiff et al. 1986).  Three on 26 April 2009 at Byrd Locks & Dam (MKE, JN).  See Remarks section.

 Fall:  Casual Migrant from early September to early November.  Recent records are 04 September 1966 in Cabell Co., WV (WA); 05 September 2006 at Byrd Locks & Dam (WA, MG, DP) 21 October 2006 (WA, MG, DP); 02 November 1952 (Edeburn et al. 1960).

REMARKS:

A Lark Sparrow was found (CK) at nearby Hurricane, Putnam County, WV, on 04 May 2003 (WA, MG, KK, RK, photographed).