I had my FOY Eastern Phoebe this morning (27Feb26) on McConnell AFB in Wichita.
Sedgwick County
Dallas Hewett
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
On Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 9:54, Carolyn Schwab<caschwab3591...> wrote: First of year Eastern Phoebe arrival noted today by a singing bird in
Harvey county.
Carolyn Schwab
Newton, KS
Date: 2/27/26 8:41 am From: <chobbs.f1...> Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
Ecuador has been both amazing and tragic for birders. Tom joined legends, Ted Parker III and Ned Brinkley in passing while birding Ecuador. Weirdly, dying while doing what you love is the ultimate way to leave this planet, and I hope all three are seeing some amazing species in the cosmos.
Chris Hobbs
Lenexa
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Rodney Wedel
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 3:48 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
They did an autopsy yesterday and his brother flew down to Loja early this morning. A family member had to be there for anything to happen. Tom will probably be moved from the morgue to a funeral home, he will be cremated and his brother will then come home with the ashes and some of his belongings. It may take several days to get the process completed. There will be a memorial service sometime later. I or someone else will post the date when determined.
Rod Wedel
On Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 3:29 PM Mark A. Corder <buddesystem...> wrote:
With my 25 years of experience working with prairie-chickens (first, as an
academic biologist, and now, as a conservationist), I wanted to clarify a
few things.
A federal court in Texas vacated the ruling last August. Yesterday's
delisting is just a formalization of that decision.
The USFWS not only published the delisting yesterday, they also published a
'status review' with a 30-day public comment period. This is the first step
in getting the bird re-listed. The USFWS is requesting information about
any changes that have occurred since the 2022 listing. If you have seen
lesser prairie-chickens disappear from an area (or expand into a new area),
or if you have seen energy development in the historical range of the
lesser prairie-chicken, please submit a comment. I would also like to know
your observations to incorporate into a larger-picture comment to be
submitted by Audubon of Kansas.
Regarding hunting and state protections - There are two areas where lesser
prairie-chickens' range in Kansas has expanded into areas where
prairie-chicken hunting is allowed. Because a person cannot differentiate
between greater and lesser in flight without binoculars while holding a
gun, there is a possibility that lesser prairie-chickens are harvested in
these areas.
There are no protections for lesser prairie-chickens under state law. They
are not listed as state threatened, endangered, or SINC (species in need of
conservation).
For more information about the prairie-chicken ruling, and ways to help,
sign up for Audubon of Kansas newsletters HERE
<https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/GUaEwOL>.
An article on that topic will be in the upcoming newsletter, published in
early March.
Please reach out if you have any other questions about prairie-chickens.
-Jackie Augustine
Prairie-Chicken Geek & Executive Director, Audubon of Kansas
On Fri, Feb 27, 2026 at 8:36 AM Roger Ellis <roger...>
wrote:
> Hunting is still not allowed and protected under state laws.
> Sent from my iPad
>
> > On Feb 27, 2026, at 8:16 AM, Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...>
> wrote:
> >
> > So sad.
> >
> > <sebastianpatti...>
> > Sebastian T. Patti
> > 552 W. Belden Ave.
> > Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354
> > CELL: 773/304-7488
> > ________________________________
> > From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on
> behalf of Max Thompson <maxt...>
> > Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:13 PM
> > To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
> > Subject: Lesser Prairie-Chicken
> >
> > The Lesser Prairie-Chicken has now lost its protected status in Kansas
> New Mexico and Colorado. The Trump administration took it off the
> threatened list. Kansas Senators were elated.Max Thompson
> >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html< > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html> > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm< > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm> > > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 2/27/26 7:49 am From: VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> Subject: Re: FOS
Saw two at Quivira NWR on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Pam Martin, Barton County
----- Original Message ----- From: "Karl Grover" <karl.grover52...> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> Sent: Friday, February 27, 2026 8:18:05 AM Subject: FOS
Killdeer, 27 Feb 26. Twelve miles north of Larned.
Date: 2/27/26 6:35 am From: Roger Ellis <roger...> Subject: Re: Lesser Prairie-Chicken
Hunting is still not allowed and protected under state laws.
Sent from my iPad
> On Feb 27, 2026, at 8:16 AM, Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> wrote:
>
> So sad.
>
> <sebastianpatti...>
> Sebastian T. Patti
> 552 W. Belden Ave.
> Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354
> CELL: 773/304-7488
> ________________________________
> From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Max Thompson <maxt...>
> Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:13 PM
> To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Lesser Prairie-Chicken
>
> The Lesser Prairie-Chicken has now lost its protected status in Kansas New Mexico and Colorado. The Trump administration took it off the threatened list. Kansas Senators were elated.Max Thompson
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html<https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html> > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm<http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm> > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 2/27/26 6:20 am From: Sebastian Patti <sebastianpatti...> Subject: Re: Lesser Prairie-Chicken
So sad.
<sebastianpatti...>
Sebastian T. Patti
552 W. Belden Ave.
Chicago, ILLINOIS 60614-3354
CELL: 773/304-7488
________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Max Thompson <maxt...>
Sent: Thursday, February 26, 2026 5:13 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Lesser Prairie-Chicken
The Lesser Prairie-Chicken has now lost its protected status in Kansas New Mexico and Colorado. The Trump administration took it off the threatened list. Kansas Senators were elated.Max Thompson
When I posted seeing a red-shouldered hawk AND a nest in our back riparian
zone along Mud Creek several years back, Tom asked if he could bring a
group of birders to view. I looked out the back windows about 8:30 am and
saw 1/2 dozen folks standing at the back edge of the property on a Saturday
morning scanning the trees and also looking for an elusive Pileated too
before they headed to the Marion airport to pick up prairie chickens. I
guess they documented the first nesting of red-shouldereds in Marion County.
He was a good guy and made birding fun...even in my own backyard.
Lloyd Davies
Marion, Kansas
Btw, the red-shouldered hawks are still out there.
On Thu, Feb 26, 2026 at 3:48 PM Rodney Wedel <rdwbird...> wrote:
> They did an autopsy yesterday and his brother flew down to Loja early this
> morning. A family member had to be there for anything to happen. Tom will
> probably be moved from the morgue to a funeral home, he will be cremated
> and his brother will then come home with the ashes and some of his
> belongings. It may take several days to get the process completed. There
> will be a memorial service sometime later. I or someone else will post the
> date when determined.
>
> Rod Wedel
>
> On Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 3:29 PM Mark A. Corder <buddesystem...> wrote:
>
> > Thanks Terry, keep us apprised,, Mark Corder
> >
> > Get Outlook for Mac <https://aka.ms/GetOutlookForMac> > > From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on
> > behalf of <chobbs.f1...> <chobbs.f1...>
> > Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:10 PM
> > To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
> > Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
> >
> > Oh, that's terrible news and so sorry to hear. We all have to go
> sometime,
> > and I hope mine happens while I'm birding, too!
> > Thanks for keeping us updated, Terry.
> >
> > Chris Hobbs
> > Lenexa
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On
> > Behalf Of terry mannell
> > Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 10:47 AM
> > To: <KSBIRD-L...>
> > Subject: Tom Ewert Passing
> >
> > Tom Ewert long time birder from Wichita passed away while birding in
> > Ecuador. I expect more information will follow.
> >
> > Terry Mannell
> > Topeka
> >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html< > > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html> > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm< > > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm> > > To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:
> > <ksbird-l-request...>
> >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html< > > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html> > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm< > > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm> > > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > >
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
The Lesser Prairie-Chicken has now lost its protected status in Kansas New Mexico and Colorado. The Trump administration took it off the threatened list. Kansas Senators were elated.Max Thompson
They did an autopsy yesterday and his brother flew down to Loja early this
morning. A family member had to be there for anything to happen. Tom will
probably be moved from the morgue to a funeral home, he will be cremated
and his brother will then come home with the ashes and some of his
belongings. It may take several days to get the process completed. There
will be a memorial service sometime later. I or someone else will post the
date when determined.
Rod Wedel
On Thu, Feb 26, 2026, 3:29 PM Mark A. Corder <buddesystem...> wrote:
Date: 2/26/26 1:29 pm From: Mark A. Corder <buddesystem...> Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
Thanks Terry, keep us apprised,, Mark Corder
Get Outlook for Mac <https://aka.ms/GetOutlookForMac> From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of <chobbs.f1...> <chobbs.f1...>
Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 6:10 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
Oh, that's terrible news and so sorry to hear. We all have to go sometime, and I hope mine happens while I'm birding, too!
Thanks for keeping us updated, Terry.
Chris Hobbs
Lenexa
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of terry mannell
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 10:47 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Tom Ewert Passing
Tom Ewert long time birder from Wichita passed away while birding in Ecuador. I expect more information will follow.
When I was at Quivira NWR tonight, Feb. 25, I found two killdeer at the Big Salt Marsh. Strangely, no other shorebirds. Two weeks ago, I found 10 greater yellow legs. Lots of pintails, mallards, buffleheads and shovelers. 26 swans, but once again too far out to tell species. And sandhill cranes way back on the west side. Pam Martin
Date: 2/24/26 11:23 am From: <chobbs.f1...> Subject: Re: Tom Ewert Passing
Oh, that's terrible news and so sorry to hear. We all have to go sometime, and I hope mine happens while I'm birding, too!
Thanks for keeping us updated, Terry.
Chris Hobbs
Lenexa
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of terry mannell
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 10:47 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Tom Ewert Passing
Tom Ewert long time birder from Wichita passed away while birding in Ecuador. I expect more information will follow.
Date: 2/22/26 7:24 am From: James Nickel <jbnickelk2a...> Subject: Woodcock
I was walking a path around our woodlot this morning. A American Woodcock flew by me, close enough to identify without binoculars. I haven’t seen one in Marion County for more than 5 years. The sighting made me happy. Lots of birds in the woods this morning, on a crisp, cold, and windy day. Best Wishes Jim Nickel Peabody, Ks
Sent from my iPad
For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to
mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
It was a treat today to have a male and female Purple Finch at the feeders. There's a lot of activity with local birds singing right now. I had a pair of Carolina Wrens singing on both sides of the street. One would sing the other would answer. Always a delight.
Max Thompson Winfield
Hi All,
I was happy to see my first flicker of early spring probing the grass yesterday. Also some robins arriving in the last two weeks.
Sometimes I get the feeling such arrivals get a little bit earlier every year, but not sure. Just seems like they are a little better at predicting an early spring than a Punxytawny Phil in Pennsylvania. Forecasting based on a rodent seems a bit silly compared to bird migrations.
-------------Ken Kinman (Hays Kansas)
This past weekend I got out a couple of times to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. Early Friday I checked multiple locations in Miami and Linn Counties for owls. As is the case with most of my nighttime searches, most of the stops were silent without anything. I was surprised to hear multiple owls during the almost pitch dark and calm night at a location I have for years told people that it seems perfect. I have tried there at least three times previously without any response, so who knows if they moved in this year after being absent before or if the weather and timing affected their responses as I speculate.
At first light I heard a peenting AMERICAN WOODCOCK at La Cygnes Wildlife Area. The warm water discharge pond has turned over greatly this past week from the BAS field trip a week prior. It was full of Canvasbacks and had a limited number of other divers.
There were ducks in almost every puddle in Linn County. I was hoping to find Swans but struck out on them. With Unit B too far to comfortably scope with heat shimmer, I went to Unit G and spent a half hour looking through the 10k ducks. For whatever reason I was dreaming of a Eurasian Wigeon . As such I looked at each of them longer than I had ever previously in my recollection....but unsuccessfully. I did however find one extremely dark duck that seemed consistent with an AMERICAN BLACK DUCK at Unit G.
Friday evening my wife and I walked a while at Wyandotte County Lake after visiting the MCI airport. It was nice to see the ice on the southern half of the lake, but we didn't have much except a couple of very vocal and surprisingly friendly HERMIT THRUSHES.
Sunday my wife and I enjoyed a walk at Hillsdale Lake in Miami County. I had hoped there was still ice, as the week before it was almost all frozen and a few individuals were out fishing. The warm rain Saturday had eliminated any ice that had remained, but luckily the GULLS were along the edge of the lake near Pintail Point Campground in the park and offered great views of their faces, bills, eyes, legs, and primaries. It was awesome to look at all the variation among the leg colors, bill patterns, and eye color of near adult birds. It was a great reminder of why I hear so many people indicate they hate gulls, but I loved it even though there were only two species present. With only 200 gulls present there was one Ring-billed adult with dark/dusky eyes, two adult type Herring with dark/dusky eyes, and one third cycle Herring with greenish yellow legs. If any of these field marks were taken by themselves, completely different identifications are possible.
Timberdoodle calls are a welcome harbinger of northbound migration and the warming temperature of the sun and melts tend to lift my spirits. It was great to get out a bit.
Malcolm Gold (Overland Park, Johnson County, Kansas)
Date: 2/15/26 10:50 am From: Patricia Marlett <pmarlett...> Subject: Great Backyard Bird Count
If there is anyone in the Wichita area participating in the count this weekend there is a reporter from channel 12 who would like to interview someone. Spencer Ryu - you can dm her on Facebook.
Date: 2/13/26 7:19 am From: Brandon Magette <averbirder...> Subject: Pottawatomie Co Purple Finches
I currently have three Purple Finches at my feeders this morning! We usually get a single visitor of the female/first year variety pass through once in awhile, but very seldom do we get to see multiple birds. Today's visit is especially nice because a beautiful adult male is one of those three...
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
Environmental advocates say the outlined revision ignores science and threatens water quality, while farm groups argue it offers landowners needed clarity about which parts of their land count as federally protected. If youre a birder, sportsman, conservationist or decent human being, this is just an awful, awful idea. When your own government is trying to destroy the country for a dollar, remember to vote!
Date: 2/11/26 7:59 am From: <chobbs.f1...> Subject: wetland woes
A proposed Clean Water Act change could remove protections from 80% of American wetlands https://www.kcur.org/environment-agriculture/2026-02-10/clean-water-act-prop osed-change-protections-wetlands Environmental advocates say the outlined revision ignores science and threatens water quality, while farm groups argue it offers landowners needed clarity about which parts of their land count as federally protected. If you're a birder, sportsman, conservationist or decent human being, this is just an awful, awful idea. When your own government is trying to destroy the country for a dollar, remember to vote! Chris Hobbs, Lenexa
Date: 2/8/26 2:05 pm From: Max Thompson <maxt...> Subject: Winfield City lake
Gene Young and I visited the Winfield City Lake yesterday. It had a very. Nice assortment of waterfowl. Some in extraordinary numbers. We also had nine California Gulls.Max Thompson. Cowley County.https://ebird.org/checklist/S298721203
Date: 2/8/26 11:25 am From: Malcolm Gold <malcolmgold...> Subject: Miami County Black Scoter & BAS Field Trip Report
Much of Hillsdale Lake was frozen yesterday during our Burroughs Field Trip to Miami County. As such, we primarily scoped the bit of open water just north of the marina. A nice variety of waterfowl was present with a female type Black Scoter present among the many ducks and geese.
The group decided to check out La Cygnes Lake in Linn County, and once again we found a nice variety of waterfowl. Many of the gulls and loons were extremely long distance viewing from this location, but the kinglets were curious and welcomed visitors along the walk.
Date: 2/8/26 11:02 am From: Malcolm Gold <malcolmgold...> Subject: Re: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
It is quite challenging to separate out female Barrow's Goldeneyes and
sometimes they are left as unidentified. I have seen double digits or
orange billed Common Goldeneyes and a couple dark billed Barrow's
Goldeneyes. All of the photos submitted to eBird appear to have the large
bill and head shape of Common Goldeneye. It's even tougher when
descriptions are entered into eBird without photos for challenging
identifications, as the differences are very subtle.
Kudos to everyone who has tried to document the rarities with photos and
details rather than quick generalized descriptions.
Malcolm Gold (Overland Park, Kansas)
On Sun, Feb 8, 2026 at 12:01 PM Patricia Yeager <pyeagerbirder...>
wrote:
> I did see what appeared to me as a Common Goldeneye with an orange tipped
> bill ( the base dark grey). The head shape was not different than a
> Common. That said, I may have missed the Barrows Goldeneye .
>
> Patricia Yeager
> Manhattan
>
> On Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 3:59 PM <chobbs.f1...> wrote:
>
> > Were there not two separate birds observed - one of each?
> >
> > Chris Hobbs
> > Lenexa
> >
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On
> > Behalf Of Melissa Yates-Bruce
> > Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 3:34 PM
> > To: <KSBIRD-L...>
> > Subject: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
> >
> > Interesting chat on Kansas Birding. As it appears a lot of us are calling
> > an orange billed female Goldeneye a Barrows when, in fact, it is a (rare)
> > orange billed Common Goldeneye.
> >
> > It wont let me attach a pic.
> >
> >
> > I updated my list and others might need to also.
> >
> > Happy Birding,
> >
> > Melissa Bruce
> > Olathe, Ks
> >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > > To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:
> > <ksbird-l-request...>
> >
> > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > >
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 2/8/26 10:00 am From: Patricia Yeager <pyeagerbirder...> Subject: Re: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
I did see what appeared to me as a Common Goldeneye with an orange tipped
bill ( the base dark grey). The head shape was not different than a
Common. That said, I may have missed the Barrows Goldeneye .
Patricia Yeager
Manhattan
On Fri, Feb 6, 2026 at 3:59 PM <chobbs.f1...> wrote:
> Were there not two separate birds observed - one of each?
>
> Chris Hobbs
> Lenexa
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On
> Behalf Of Melissa Yates-Bruce
> Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 3:34 PM
> To: <KSBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
>
> Interesting chat on Kansas Birding. As it appears a lot of us are calling
> an orange billed female Goldeneye a Barrows when, in fact, it is a (rare)
> orange billed Common Goldeneye.
>
> It wont let me attach a pic.
>
>
> I updated my list and others might need to also.
>
> Happy Birding,
>
> Melissa Bruce
> Olathe, Ks
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:
> <ksbird-l-request...>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 2/6/26 1:58 pm From: <chobbs.f1...> Subject: Re: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
Were there not two separate birds observed - one of each?
Chris Hobbs
Lenexa
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Melissa Yates-Bruce
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 3:34 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
Interesting chat on Kansas Birding. As it appears a lot of us are calling an orange billed female Goldeneye a Barrows when, in fact, it is a (rare) orange billed Common Goldeneye.
Date: 2/6/26 1:34 pm From: Melissa Yates-Bruce <melissay69...> Subject: Barrows vs Common Goldeneye
Interesting chat on Kansas Birding. As it appears a lot of us are calling an orange billed female Goldeneye a Barrows when, in fact, it is a (rare) orange billed Common Goldeneye.
That was a hilarious movie IMHO, but I also know some serious birders who absolutely hated it. The 'stars' were the Reiser brothers (from St Louis, I think?) but I'll have to rewatch to see Ryan's encounter with these two meatballs! It would be fun to re-watch, so thanks, Dan!
Chris Hobbs
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Daniel Larson
Sent: Friday, February 6, 2026 2:40 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Listers
Ryan was in a 2 hour video on you tube called Listers. If you are a half serious birder I think you would enjoy this one.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 5, 2026, at 12:43 PM, Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> wrote:
>
> Both were discovered by Ryan Giordanelli and posted to Discord, with
> the Eurasian Tree Sparrow cross-posted to the Kansas Rare Birds and
> Notable Sightings Facebook Group by others. A sign of the changing times...
>
> Kevin Groeneweg
> Wichita
>
>> On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:16 PM Ted Cable <tcable...> wrote:
>>
>> I noticed that the current sightings of two rare birds at Tuttle
>> Tubes had not been posted to this listserv. A female Barrow's
>> Goldeneye was discovered yesterday and seen by others yesterday and
>> today. Then today the same birder who discovered the goldeneye found
>> a Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I am sorry I don't recall the birder's name,
>> but I just returned from seeing and photographing both birds thanks
>> to a call from Jacob Riggs. -- Ted
>>
>> Ted T. Cable, Ph.D.
>> Professor Emeritus
>> Park Management and Conservation
>> Kansas State University
>>
>>
>> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
>> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html >> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
>> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm >> To contact a listowner, send a message to
>> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 2/6/26 12:40 pm From: Daniel Larson <birdkansa...> Subject: Listers
Ryan was in a 2 hour video on you tube called Listers. If you are a half serious birder I think you would enjoy this one.
Sent from my iPhone
> On Feb 5, 2026, at 12:43 PM, Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> wrote:
>
> Both were discovered by Ryan Giordanelli and posted to Discord, with the
> Eurasian Tree Sparrow cross-posted to the Kansas Rare Birds and Notable
> Sightings Facebook Group by others. A sign of the changing times...
>
> Kevin Groeneweg
> Wichita
>
>> On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:16 PM Ted Cable <tcable...> wrote:
>>
>> I noticed that the current sightings of two rare birds at Tuttle Tubes had
>> not been posted to this listserv. A female Barrow's Goldeneye was
>> discovered yesterday and seen by others yesterday and today. Then today the
>> same birder who discovered the goldeneye found a Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I
>> am sorry I don't recall the birder's name, but I just returned from seeing
>> and photographing both birds thanks to a call from Jacob Riggs. -- Ted
>>
>> Ted T. Cable, Ph.D.
>> Professor Emeritus
>> Park Management and Conservation
>> Kansas State University
>>
>>
>> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
>> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html >> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
>> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm >> To contact a listowner, send a message to
>> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 2/6/26 10:26 am From: Tom Ewert <ewert.tom...> Subject: Wichita Audubon field trip to Sutton Avian Research Center tomorrow
Wichita Audubon field trip tomorrow, Saturday, Feb 6, to the Sutton Avian Research Center near Bartlesville, OK. Folks wanting to carpool should meet at the GPNC parking lot at 8:00. We will probably stop at Kaw Reservoir to look for ducks, eagles and loons, then head to Osage Hills State Park for a short bird walk. We are planning to stop for lunch in Bartlesville before heading to the center. The tour at Sutton is probably only 2-2 1/2 hours so maybe possible to be back in Wichita before dark. OR spend a few more hours Oklahoma birding somewhere. Not necessary to RSVP but I would appreciate getting an idea of how many plan to participate. As always, all WAS field trips are free and open to the public.
Date: 2/5/26 10:43 am From: Kevin Groeneweg <kgroeneweg1616...> Subject: Re: Two rare birds at Tuttle Tubes
Both were discovered by Ryan Giordanelli and posted to Discord, with the
Eurasian Tree Sparrow cross-posted to the Kansas Rare Birds and Notable
Sightings Facebook Group by others. A sign of the changing times...
Kevin Groeneweg
Wichita
On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:16 PM Ted Cable <tcable...> wrote:
> I noticed that the current sightings of two rare birds at Tuttle Tubes had
> not been posted to this listserv. A female Barrow's Goldeneye was
> discovered yesterday and seen by others yesterday and today. Then today the
> same birder who discovered the goldeneye found a Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I
> am sorry I don't recall the birder's name, but I just returned from seeing
> and photographing both birds thanks to a call from Jacob Riggs. -- Ted
>
> Ted T. Cable, Ph.D.
> Professor Emeritus
> Park Management and Conservation
> Kansas State University
>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 2/5/26 10:16 am From: Ted Cable <tcable...> Subject: Two rare birds at Tuttle Tubes
I noticed that the current sightings of two rare birds at Tuttle Tubes had not been posted to this listserv. A female Barrow's Goldeneye was discovered yesterday and seen by others yesterday and today. Then today the same birder who discovered the goldeneye found a Eurasian Tree Sparrow. I am sorry I don't recall the birder's name, but I just returned from seeing and photographing both birds thanks to a call from Jacob Riggs. -- Ted
Ted T. Cable, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Park Management and Conservation
Kansas State University
Date: 2/3/26 8:18 am From: Dan office mac 2025 <editor...> Subject: Re: Merlin vs Humans
Interesting! I have used Merlin quite a bit when I hear something unusual, but I force myself to follow up with a visually confirmed ID to allow myself to count it. Because I’ve had far too many Blue Jays mimicking other birds and also the occasional “no way that’s right” experiences.
While I do appreciate this new technological tool, I fear it has become a crutch and newer birders aren’t learning songs and calls like they used to.
Is there a way to actually reject or delete an identification on the app when you know it is incorrect?
-Dan
Dan Thalmann
• Owner – Washington County News, Washington, Kansas www.backroadsnews.com
785-747-6980 (cell, feel free to text me)
<editor...>
“Faith, Family, & the Freedom to keep it that way."
> On Feb 3, 2026, at 9:54 AM, John Schukman <schuksaya...> wrote:
>
> Hello all,
>
>
>
> No surprise here. Interesting that in this study "Merlin disagreed with
> itself on 57% of point counts when
>
> running on 2 different devices at the same time."
>
> <https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8222742> > https://academic.oup.com/condor/article/127/4/1/8222742 >
> I have rejected 5 or 6 Northern Mockingbirds in the backyard this fall and
> winter. Probably Starlings or other variant songs.
>
>
>
> John
>
>
>
>
>
> John Schukman
>
> 14207 Robin Road
>
> Leavenworth, KS 66048
>
> USA
>
> 913-547-1751
>
>
>
>
>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 2/1/26 10:40 am From: <bobgress...> Subject: Re: Wandering Finches, Part 2
Great Report Chuck!! -Bob
-----Original Message----- From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Chuck Otte Sent: Sunday, February 1, 2026 11:47 AM To: <KSBIRD-L...> Subject: Wandering Finches, Part 2
After my previous post about wandering finch species I was "challenged" to cover some other finch species (thanks Mike!!!), so I figured what the heck, let4s just cover the rest of them, (plus one non-Finch species) so here goes.
For the non-Finch species we have Bohemian Waxwing. They4ll be absent for years and then one winter they4ll pop up all over the state. 41 counties have Bohemian Waxwing records. Most recent irruption years were 2004 and 2008. In fact 2008 were the most recent sightings logged into eBird. This is a species that if you need it for your life/state list and one shows up, you4d better chase it!
Three of the finch species, American Goldfinch, House Finch and Pine Siskin, have been seen in all 105 counties. We have confirmed nesting records for House Finch in 78 counties, 49 counties for American Goldfinch and 26 counties with confirmed nesting for Pine Siskin. House Finch and American Goldfinch are permanent residents, although House Finch is an intriguing story but that4s for another day. Pine Siskins are irruptive and we4ll find them nearly absent from the state some years but more abundant than goldfinches in other years.
Three extreme vagrants include Brambling, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and Lawrence4s Goldfinch. There are three records for Brambling, two for Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and one for Lawrence4s Goldfinch.
Lesser Goldfinch has been reported from 36 counties (plus one more county record that just came in this weekend - Chase County). Lesser Goldfinch used to be on the KBRC (Kansas Bird Records Committee) review list but was removed about ten years ago as they were being reported nearly annually. A western/southwestern US species it4s increasing presence in Kansas may be due to warming climates OR more eyes in the field! There is one confirmed breeding record (Finney County) and one probable breeding record (Cowley County).
Purple Finch is a sporadic/irruptive visitor to the state. It has been reported from 84 counties. It4s breeding range is boreal forest and coastal Pacific Northwest. It4s presence in Kansas is going to be strongly dictated by food availability in it4s usual range. With that said, it4s a rare winter that there aren4t sightings from around the state, especially the eastern half.
And then there were three: the two crossbill species and Pine Grosbeak. These irruptive species are highly sought by birders in Kansas. I know we often look forward to the irruptive finch forecast that comes out of Canada every year but keep in mind that those forecasts apply much more to the northeastern US. Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills both nest in the Boreal forest AND the Rocky Mountains. Irruptions into Kansas are more likely to occur from the Rockies, more so than from the northern regions. White-winged Crossbills are a norther Boreal forest breeder so they have to come in from the northern regions.
Pine Grosbeaks have been reported from 26 Kansas counties. We will go years in between sightings in Kansas. Most recently we saw Pine Grosbeaks in western Kansas (Trego and Scott counties) in the fall and winter of 2023/2024. There were as many as 17 sighted at Scott Lake with sightings spanning from November 15, 2023 thru February 21, 2024. Prior to that you have to go back to winter of 2013/14 with sightings from Finney and Geary counties. A rare vagrant to be sure!
White-winged Crossbills are almost as uncommon. They are records from 34 counties in the state. Unlike Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills seem to show up every couple of years. eBird reports over the past ten years show sightings in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025. Locations can be nearly anywhere across the state!
Red Crossbills are kind of a curious lot. We can see them nearly every year in the state and nearly any month of the year. We have records from 89 counties. Looking at eBird reports back to 2011, there have been reports, at least one, every year. Some years we4ll see just four or five reports spanning the entire year. Some years, like the irruption in 2017/2018 was very wide spread. There4s even a web page that talks about this irruption: 2017/18 Irruption map: https://ksbirds.org/kos/Crossbills17_18.htm Red Crossbills are known from 89 counties and confirmed breeding records from three. I had a friend in Junction City who called me in late spring, probably early 2000s saying she had Red Crossbills coming to her feeder. She lived less than a block from the Junction City Cemetery that had many old large pine trees. I went over to confirm this and was stunned to see not just Red Crossbills but recently fledged young crossbills. Finney and Shawnee counties also have confirmed breeding records with Sedgwick and Comanche have probable breeding records. In the 1990s we had Red Crossbills annually in the areas around Milford Lake. They were quite fond of the pine cones of the Scots Pines. Unfortunately the Scots Pines were killed by pine wilt disease and we don4t see them nearly as often anymore. Red Crossbills should be expected nearly any time of year (though more often in winter) and anywhere in the state especially around evergreen trees!
Date: 2/1/26 10:24 am From: Max Thompson <maxt...> Subject: History
While reading some of the past. Bulletins I came across the bulletin in March 1957 that had the following passage.
- The Kansas Ornithological Society has a serious problem; its present financial condition prohibits increase in size of the Bulletin and may in fact force us to curtail our publication. We think that most of the members of this society agree that continued publication of the Bulletin is necessary to the existence of the organization in a formal and significant sense. We hope that you, as members, will act now to strengthen the society financially. There are several pathways open by which this can be done: enlistment of new members, encouragement of former members to rejoin the society, gifts of money, and increase of numbers of sustaining members. Unless we act now, we may be forced to the next alternative-increase of dollars.-Eds.
The dues at that time were $2.00 per person. We haven't increased dues much since that time. There were times when we could not pay our bills until the dues came in. We have come a long way since then. We now have much larger bulletins and color thanks to our present and past editors and gifts of two estates to our endowment that have kept our dues VERY low.
Max ThompsonKOS Treasurer
Date: 2/1/26 9:47 am From: Chuck Otte <cotte...> Subject: Wandering Finches, Part 2
After my previous post about wandering finch species I was "challenged" to cover some other finch species (thanks Mike!!!), so I figured what the heck, lets just cover the rest of them, (plus one non-Finch species) so here goes.
For the non-Finch species we have Bohemian Waxwing. Theyll be absent for years and then one winter theyll pop up all over the state. 41 counties have Bohemian Waxwing records. Most recent irruption years were 2004 and 2008. In fact 2008 were the most recent sightings logged into eBird. This is a species that if you need it for your life/state list and one shows up, youd better chase it!
Three of the finch species, American Goldfinch, House Finch and Pine Siskin, have been seen in all 105 counties. We have confirmed nesting records for House Finch in 78 counties, 49 counties for American Goldfinch and 26 counties with confirmed nesting for Pine Siskin. House Finch and American Goldfinch are permanent residents, although House Finch is an intriguing story but thats for another day. Pine Siskins are irruptive and well find them nearly absent from the state some years but more abundant than goldfinches in other years.
Three extreme vagrants include Brambling, Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and Lawrences Goldfinch. There are three records for Brambling, two for Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and one for Lawrences Goldfinch.
Lesser Goldfinch has been reported from 36 counties (plus one more county record that just came in this weekend - Chase County). Lesser Goldfinch used to be on the KBRC (Kansas Bird Records Committee) review list but was removed about ten years ago as they were being reported nearly annually. A western/southwestern US species its increasing presence in Kansas may be due to warming climates OR more eyes in the field! There is one confirmed breeding record (Finney County) and one probable breeding record (Cowley County).
Purple Finch is a sporadic/irruptive visitor to the state. It has been reported from 84 counties. Its breeding range is boreal forest and coastal Pacific Northwest. Its presence in Kansas is going to be strongly dictated by food availability in its usual range. With that said, its a rare winter that there arent sightings from around the state, especially the eastern half.
And then there were three: the two crossbill species and Pine Grosbeak. These irruptive species are highly sought by birders in Kansas. I know we often look forward to the irruptive finch forecast that comes out of Canada every year but keep in mind that those forecasts apply much more to the northeastern US. Pine Grosbeaks and Red Crossbills both nest in the Boreal forest AND the Rocky Mountains. Irruptions into Kansas are more likely to occur from the Rockies, more so than from the northern regions. White-winged Crossbills are a norther Boreal forest breeder so they have to come in from the northern regions.
Pine Grosbeaks have been reported from 26 Kansas counties. We will go years in between sightings in Kansas. Most recently we saw Pine Grosbeaks in western Kansas (Trego and Scott counties) in the fall and winter of 2023/2024. There were as many as 17 sighted at Scott Lake with sightings spanning from November 15, 2023 thru February 21, 2024. Prior to that you have to go back to winter of 2013/14 with sightings from Finney and Geary counties. A rare vagrant to be sure!
White-winged Crossbills are almost as uncommon. They are records from 34 counties in the state. Unlike Pine Grosbeaks, White-winged Crossbills seem to show up every couple of years. eBird reports over the past ten years show sightings in 2018, 2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025. Locations can be nearly anywhere across the state!
Red Crossbills are kind of a curious lot. We can see them nearly every year in the state and nearly any month of the year. We have records from 89 counties. Looking at eBird reports back to 2011, there have been reports, at least one, every year. Some years well see just four or five reports spanning the entire year. Some years, like the irruption in 2017/2018 was very wide spread. Theres even a web page that talks about this irruption: 2017/18 Irruption map: https://ksbirds.org/kos/Crossbills17_18.htm Red Crossbills are known from 89 counties and confirmed breeding records from three. I had a friend in Junction City who called me in late spring, probably early 2000s saying she had Red Crossbills coming to her feeder. She lived less than a block from the Junction City Cemetery that had many old large pine trees. I went over to confirm this and was stunned to see not just Red Crossbills but recently fledged young crossbills. Finney and Shawnee counties also have confirmed breeding records with Sedgwick and Comanche have probable breeding records. In the 1990s we had Red Crossbills annually in the areas around Milford Lake. They were quite fond of the pine cones of the Scots Pines. Unfortunately the Scots Pines were killed by pine wilt disease and we dont see them nearly as often anymore. Red Crossbills should be expected nearly any time of year (though more often in winter) and anywhere in the state especially around evergreen trees!
Date: 1/30/26 3:59 pm From: Yang, Bobinyu <000011d835fbb54b-dmarc-request...> Subject: American Pipits at Foote Ranch-UPDATED
Taking advantage of the recent monster storm, I went looking for Arctic visitors. I did NOT find any snow buntings or Lapland longspurs. However, I was delighted to run across a pair of American pipits foraging on W. 215th St. between Switzer & Quivira Rds. (38.738235, -94.711681). This is just west of the Foote Ranch in Bucyrus. There were also plenty of horn larks. But the horn larks are here near all year round and don't get me excited. Three photos, taken between 2:48 and 2:52 p.m., 1/30/2026, of the American pipits may be viewed here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S297100901 Lapland longspurs used to frequent southern Johnson County, but I missed them the last couple of winters. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Bob I. Yang
<yangb...>
Overland Park, Johnson County
Date: 1/30/26 3:53 pm From: Yang, Bobinyu <000011d835fbb54b-dmarc-request...> Subject: American Pipits at Foote Ranch
Taking advantage of the recent monster storm, I went looking for Arctic visitors. I did NOT find any snow buntings or Lapland longspurs. However, I was delighted to run across a pair of American pipits foraging on W. 215th St. between Switzer & Quivira Rds. (38.738235, -94.711681). This is just west of the Foote Ranch in Bucyrus. There were also plenty of horn larks. But the horn larks are here near all year round and don't get me excited. Three photos, taken between 2:48 and 2:52 p.m., 1/30/2026, of the American pipits may be viewed here:
https://ebird.org/checklist/S297100901 Lapland longspurs used to frequent southern Johnson County, but I missed them the last couple of winters. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Date: 1/30/26 7:14 am From: Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> Subject: Fw: "House" birds
Susan, our heated water has also brought us E Bluebird and Yellow-rumped Warbler, neither of which is usual for our yard in winter.
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: <0000029bcf45e32f-dmarc-request...> <0000029bcf45e32f-dmarc-request...>To: "<ksbird-l...>" <ksbird-l...>Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 12:57:11 PM CSTSubject: Re: "House" birds
We're in Lawrence, a few blocks west of the University, and our house finches had a bumper crop of babies this year. They are still crowding the feeders and I am seeing very few house sparrows, a welcome change from past winters. Also seeing both nuthatches, tufted titmouse, cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees, juncos, Carolina wrens and, a gift of this cold weather and because we have heated birdbaths, bluebirds, which I don't see in the yard any other time of year.
Susan Iversen
Douglas County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026 at 12:03 PM, Marla Shoemaker <marlaswhisperingpines...> wrote:
I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house
sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even
fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty
heavily-wooded area.
Marla
Riley County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> (mailto:<butterfly...>)> wrote:
Dan,
We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches. I'm
not sure why, but count myself lucky!
Pam Martin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...> (mailto:<browndog06...>)> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> (mailto:<KSBIRD-L...>)> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
Subject: "House" birds
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the
Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in
Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding
population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water
stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of
an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one,
sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a
slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch
numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter
I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an
underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth?
Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House
Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Jim Nickel brought up several species of finches in regards to a current thread of feeder birds so I thought I'd relabel the subject line and comment on his question:
" Another finch I wonder about is Cassins Finch. Has anyone seen one in Western Kansas, this year or in recent years? A couple of other winter birds I wonder about are Evening Grosbeak, and Common Redpoll. Will I see them in Kansas again?"
Unlike species like Pine Siskin and Purple Finch that occur annually in Kansas, in greatly varying numbers, the three finch species Jim mentioned all present interesting scenarios.
Cassin's Finch is a rare wanderer in Kansas. It may be overlooked, especially in western Kansas, but from eBird records there have been 6 reports for the entire state over the past ten years. One well documented report from 2017 in Topeka (KBRC record number 2017-22). There have been five reports from 2020 thru 2022 from Morton, Ford, Finney, Scott and Cheyenne Counties.
Redpolls (Common and Hoary are now lumped as one species) seem to show up a few every year. There was one reported from Cloud County just this past weekend (nice photos!). As I was looking at Kansas eBird reports over the past ten years I found that there were no reports for 2019 from the state. As I backed out to a larger view it appeared that there were very few reports in the central Great Plains that year (only 1 from Nebraska). In short they are around, but it is truly hit and miss to find one!
Evening Grosbeaks have been a periodic irruptive species. I remember the winter of 1985-86. My feeders in Geary County were emptied regularly by these yellow feeder pigs. Their numbers have really been dropping and the past 10 winters have seen few reports. Below are all the eBird reports, grouped by winter season. All of these have been single bird reports except the ones with asterisks (*) which were either 2 or 3 birds
Winter 2025-26 - 1 report, 1 Nov 2025 Winter 2024-25 - None Winter 2023-24 - 2 reports, Nov 2023, Jan 2024 Winter 2022-23 - 5 reports, Sep 2022, Nov 2022, Oct 2022, Mar 2023*, Apr 2023* Winter 2021-22 - None Winter 2020-21 - 2 reports, Oct 2020, Nov 2020 Winter 2019-20 - None Winter 2018-19 - 1 report, Mar 2019 Winter 2017-18 - 2 reports, Dec 2017*, Mar 2018 Winter 2016-17 - 1 report, Oct 2016* Winter 2015-16 - None
Fincing any one of the three species (Cassin's Finch, Redpoll, Evening Grosbeak) in Kansas is a rare matter of luck - be in the right place at the right time. BUT, keep the feeders filled and keep paying attention. Of those three species, you're best chance in the coming weeks is likely a Redpoll!
Date: 1/29/26 11:48 am From: Barbara Schowen <000001bcaf1b722a-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
I am seeing at my feeders red breasted nuthatches, tufted titmouse, cardinals, chickadees, juncos, Carolina wrens, and lots of goldfinches, even a young redtail. No sparrows of any kind. Hmmm…
Near Hidden Valley in Lawrence
Barbara Schowen
> On Jan 29, 2026, at 12:35 PM, Wedge, Philip C. <pwedge...> wrote:
>
> In Lawrence, I am seeing fewer House Sparrows at my feeders, especially since the latest deep freezes. House Finches are abundant. Most notably absent for me are Amer. Goldfinches. I am enjoying regular visits from at least two Red-Breasted Nuthatches.
>
> Phil Wedge
> Lawrence
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Marla Shoemaker
> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:03 PM
> To: <KSBIRD-L...>
> Subject: Re: "House" birds
>
> I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty heavily-wooded area.
>
> Marla
> Riley County
>
> On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...>
> wrote:
>
>> Dan,
>> We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches.
>> I'm not sure why, but count myself lucky!
>> Pam Martin
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...>
>> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...>
>> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
>> Subject: "House" birds
>>
>> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the
>> Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit
>> family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves
>> as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my
>> feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
>> Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached
>> more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of
>> one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding
>> perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
>> Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House
>> Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows.
>> This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might
>> be an underestimation.
>> I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth?
>> Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House
>> Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
>> Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
>> Dan Mulhern Manhattan
>>
>> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
>> https://list/ >> serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
>> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
>> 639053066360592753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
>> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
>> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=CtOhoar1tRgYhQwrXFJ%2FVbz3U82ChsFw8NlXX%2BqZL4I%3D&rese
>> rved=0
>> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
>> http://www.k/ >> sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
>> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
>> %7C0%7C639053066360628807%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
>> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
>> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WcSP48ai2qVvt6LBMyREroTTITrgD2d%2BjkxU5UJuJLE%3D
>> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
>> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >>
>> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
>> https://list/ >> serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
>> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
>> 639053066360650964%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
>> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
>> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=KcFVnAfM0VmbIDsXlXHkA3UFA5UMNVMDocg1o79W9uc%3D&reserved
>> =0
>> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
>> http://www.k/ >> sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
>> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
>> %7C0%7C639053066360669101%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
>> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
>> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p9jW5FcUUtuBKhbDsqfodC%2B4YYNvJA2pWBzkar724ZQ%3D
>> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
>> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >>
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 1/29/26 10:54 am From: James Nickel <jbnickelk2a...> Subject: Purple Finches
I’m in agreement with the general thoughts on House Sparrows and House Finches. But, Purple Finches are a different story, at least in Marion County, this year. In years past I have seen only a handful total in Marion County. This year I saw 10 or 12 in a flock several times. It seems like they are attracted to Green Ash seed pods.
Another finch I wonder about is Cassin’s Finch. Has anyone seen one in Western Kansas, this year or in recent years?
A couple of other winter birds I wonder about are Evening Grosbeak, and Common Redpoll. Will I see them in Kansas again? Jim Nickel Peabody, Ks
Sent from my iPad
For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm To contact a listowner, send a message to
mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Date: 1/29/26 10:54 am From: <0000029bcf45e32f-dmarc-request...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
We're in Lawrence, a few blocks west of the University, and our house finches had a bumper crop of babies this year. They are still crowding the feeders and I am seeing very few house sparrows, a welcome change from past winters. Also seeing both nuthatches, tufted titmouse, cardinals, goldfinches, chickadees, juncos, Carolina wrens and, a gift of this cold weather and because we have heated birdbaths, bluebirds, which I don't see in the yard any other time of year.
Susan Iversen
Douglas County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026 at 12:03 PM, Marla Shoemaker <marlaswhisperingpines...> wrote:
I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house
sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even
fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty
heavily-wooded area.
Marla
Riley County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> (mailto:<butterfly...>)> wrote:
Dan,
We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches. I'm
not sure why, but count myself lucky!
Pam Martin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...> (mailto:<browndog06...>)> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> (mailto:<KSBIRD-L...>)> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
Subject: "House" birds
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the
Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in
Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding
population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water
stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of
an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one,
sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a
slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch
numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter
I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an
underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth?
Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House
Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Date: 1/29/26 10:42 am From: Mark A. Corder <buddesystem...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
We are having hordes of juncos, today we had a fox sparrow which we have not seen for several years. Fun to watch the feeding frenzy. Only a couple of House Sparrows, loads of W-C Sparrows and Harris’s. Getting excited about the upcoming GBBC. Mark Corder, southern Johnson County.
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Wedge, Philip C. <pwedge...>
Date: Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 12:36 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: "House" birds
In Lawrence, I am seeing fewer House Sparrows at my feeders, especially since the latest deep freezes. House Finches are abundant. Most notably absent for me are Amer. Goldfinches. I am enjoying regular visits from at least two Red-Breasted Nuthatches.
Phil Wedge
Lawrence
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Marla Shoemaker
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:03 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: "House" birds
I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty heavily-wooded area.
Marla
Riley County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...>
wrote:
> Dan,
> We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches.
> I'm not sure why, but count myself lucky!
> Pam Martin
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...>
> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...>
> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
> Subject: "House" birds
>
> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the
> Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit
> family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves
> as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my
> feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
> Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached
> more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of
> one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding
> perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
> Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House
> Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows.
> This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might
> be an underestimation.
> I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth?
> Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House
> Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
> Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
> Dan Mulhern Manhattan
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://list/ > serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
> 639053066360592753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=CtOhoar1tRgYhQwrXFJ%2FVbz3U82ChsFw8NlXX%2BqZL4I%3D&rese
> rved=0
> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.k/<http://www.k/> > sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
> %7C0%7C639053066360628807%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WcSP48ai2qVvt6LBMyREroTTITrgD2d%2BjkxU5UJuJLE%3D
> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://list/ > serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
> 639053066360650964%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=KcFVnAfM0VmbIDsXlXHkA3UFA5UMNVMDocg1o79W9uc%3D&reserved
> =0
> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.k/<http://www.k/> > sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
> %7C0%7C639053066360669101%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p9jW5FcUUtuBKhbDsqfodC%2B4YYNvJA2pWBzkar724ZQ%3D
> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 1/29/26 10:35 am From: Wedge, Philip C. <pwedge...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
In Lawrence, I am seeing fewer House Sparrows at my feeders, especially since the latest deep freezes. House Finches are abundant. Most notably absent for me are Amer. Goldfinches. I am enjoying regular visits from at least two Red-Breasted Nuthatches.
Phil Wedge
Lawrence
-----Original Message-----
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> On Behalf Of Marla Shoemaker
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 12:03 PM
To: <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: Re: "House" birds
I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty heavily-wooded area.
Marla
Riley County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...>
wrote:
> Dan,
> We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches.
> I'm not sure why, but count myself lucky!
> Pam Martin
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...>
> To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...>
> Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
> Subject: "House" birds
>
> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the
> Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit
> family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves
> as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my
> feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
> Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached
> more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of
> one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding
> perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
> Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House
> Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows.
> This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might
> be an underestimation.
> I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth?
> Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House
> Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
> Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
> Dan Mulhern Manhattan
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://list/ > serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
> 639053066360592753%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=CtOhoar1tRgYhQwrXFJ%2FVbz3U82ChsFw8NlXX%2BqZL4I%3D&rese
> rved=0
> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.k/ > sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
> %7C0%7C639053066360628807%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=WcSP48ai2qVvt6LBMyREroTTITrgD2d%2BjkxU5UJuJLE%3D
> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://list/ > serv.ksu.edu%2Fksbird-l.html&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C50b5b602
> 21a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0%7C0%7C
> 639053066360650964%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlY
> iOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%
> 7C%7C%7C&sdata=KcFVnAfM0VmbIDsXlXHkA3UFA5UMNVMDocg1o79W9uc%3D&reserved
> =0
> For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.k/ > sbirds.org%2FKSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm&data=05%7C02%<7Cpwedge...>%7C5
> 0b5b60221a54eae4ec008de5f60c26c%7C3c176536afe643f5b96636feabbe3c1a%7C0
> %7C0%7C639053066360669101%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRy
> dWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%
> 3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=p9jW5FcUUtuBKhbDsqfodC%2B4YYNvJA2pWBzkar724ZQ%3D
> &reserved=0 To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
I'm on the west side of Manhattan, and like Dave, I rarely see house sparrows. I've had a few house finches this winter and have also had even fewer female purple finches over the last couple weeks. I'm in a pretty heavily-wooded area.
Marla Riley County
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 11:08 AM VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> wrote:
> Dan, > We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches. I'm > not sure why, but count myself lucky! > Pam Martin > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...> > To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...> > Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM > Subject: "House" birds > > I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the > Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in > Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding > population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water > stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down. > Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of > an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, > sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a > slight numerical advantage on an annual basis. > Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch > numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter > I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an > underestimation. > I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? > Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House > Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet. > Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these? > Dan Mulhern Manhattan > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 1/29/26 9:08 am From: VIC & PAM MARTIN <butterfly...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
Dan,
We have very few house sparrows, but lots of house and gold finches. I'm not sure why, but count myself lucky!
Pam Martin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dan Mulhern" <browndog06...>
To: "KSBIRD-L" <KSBIRD-L...>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12:23 AM
Subject: "House" birds
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Hi Dan,
I've never read anything that might indicate house finches are any more vulnerable to avian influenza. However, house finches are very vulnerable to house finch eye disease which can cause blindness and starvation.
Since house finch eye disease was introduced in the 1990's, your observations might reflect a slow but steady decline in most of house finch populations starting in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Healthy house finches displacing house sparrows before the eye disease was introduced, then the equilibrium in early 2000's, and perhaps even more eye disease deaths by 2020 (and perhaps continuing to increase).
-----------Ken Kinman (Hays, Kansas)
________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Dan Mulhern <browndog06...>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: "House" birds
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Our place, at the edge of a 40 acre woodlot, is an outlier in lots of ways. In 13 years here, I have seen exactly one House Sparrow at our feeders. Currently we have plenty of House Finches chowing down at the feeders.
On Thursday, January 29th, 2026 at 9:14 AM, Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> wrote:
> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
> Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
> Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
> I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
> Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
> Dan Mulhern Manhattan
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Currently I'm seeing more Finch than Sparrow. I am curious to know if you are changing up what you are feeding the birds, I get a idea in my head once in awhile to try something different with my seed offerings which depending on the makeup of the blend can cause an increase in House Sparrows. I know better than to buy blends with milo in it but have found out the hard way that blends with millet also will not work for my suburban environment.
Brandon Magette of St Marys, mobile @ 785-844-0139
On Thu, Jan 29, 2026, 09:13 Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> wrote:
> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the > Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in > Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding > population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water > stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down. > Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of > an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, > sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a > slight numerical advantage on an annual basis. > Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch > numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter > I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an > underestimation. > I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? > Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House > Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet. > Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these? > Dan Mulhern Manhattan > > For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to > https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to > http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to > mailto:<ksbird-l-request...> >
Date: 1/29/26 7:26 am From: Henry Armknect <armknecht...> Subject: Re: "House" birds
My numbers in Hays this winter are about 100 house sparrows per house finch.
Henry A.
Hays
> On Jan 29, 2026, at 9:15 AM, Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> wrote:
>
> I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
> Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
> Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
> I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
> Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
> Dan Mulhern Manhattan
>
> For KSBIRD-L archives or to change your subscription options, go to
> https://listserv.ksu.edu/ksbird-l.html > For KSBIRD-L guidelines go to
> http://www.ksbirds.org/KSBIRD-LGuidelines.htm > To contact a listowner, send a message to
> mailto:<ksbird-l-request...>
Dan, Your observations mirror my observations here in Hays. House Sparrow numbers are really higher this year than House Finches.
Saludos y nos vemos ms tarde, EJF
For wherever we come together, We will forever overcome. Amanda Gorman
________________________________
From: Birds & Their Habitats in Kansas <KSBIRD-L...> on behalf of Dan Mulhern <browndog06...>
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2026 9:12 AM
To: <KSBIRD-L...> <KSBIRD-L...>
Subject: "House" birds
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Fort Hays State University. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
Date: 1/29/26 7:12 am From: Dan Mulhern <browndog06...> Subject: "House" birds
I remember being excited when House Finches began moving into the Manhattan area, maybe in the 1980s. Now I didn't have to go visit family in Denver to see them. Once they firmly established themselves as a breeding population, they seemed to displace House Sparrows at my feed/water stations. Sparrows didn't disappear but the numbers went way down.
Fast forward to maybe early 2000s, and the two species had reached more of an equilibrium in my sphere of observation. Sometimes more of one, sometimes more of the other, but with House Finches holding perhaps a slight numerical advantage on an annual basis.
Fast forward again to the 2020s, and especially 2026, and the House Finch numbers have been overwhelmingly surpassed by House Sparrows. This winter I'd estimate at least 85% House Sparrows, and that might be an underestimation.
I'm wondering if there will "always" be this ebb and flow, back and forth? Have House Sparrows finally regained their permanent edge? Are House Finches more susceptible to avian influenza? Questions without answers yet.
Anyone else in KS seeing trends like these?
Dan Mulhern Manhattan
