Mountain Bluebird in Ohio

On or about April 5, a Mountain Bluebird was found near the Toledo Express Airport in Lucas County - Ohio's second record. Thanks to Martha Johns for getting it brought to light, although it sounds as if others might have seen the bird for up to a few days prior.

The last record dates to the winter of 1989-90, from deep in the back country of Tuscarawas County. Got to see that one myself, and hope that the current bird lingers long enough that I might add another Sialia currucoides to my Ohio list.

Thanks to George Sydlowski for sending along these magnificent documentary shots. They aren't just documentary - they are photographic art, and the subject ranks high among the most pleasing of North American songbirds. This one adds serious luster to last year's crusty brown stalks of Common Mullein, Verbascum thapsus.

Of the three bluebirds, to my eye the Mountain Bluebird is the best looking. Somewhat less dumpy and more alert in posture than its brethren, a male such as this is shaded in an impeccable coat of pale sky blue. As with the others, this thrush is a cavity nester, and many a Mountain Bluebird is raised in nest boxes. Lots of people like them, and there are now bluebird trails galore, producing lots of bluebirds. Mountains are notorious wanderers, regularly appearing well to the east of their core range, and there may be increasing numbers to thrill easterners, as this bird has.

Amazingly, less than 50 miles away is Ohio's first state record Golden-crowned Sparrow, another westerner. Circumstances don't allow for visitation by the birding community, but there are great photos to document the bird. The Golden-crowned Sparrow is number 419, I believe, for the state list.