Earlier this autumn I was commenting that I expected the McCormick Ponds to produce some rarity this winter, but all I had found thus far was a very early White-crowned Sparrow.
Upon reviewing this photo though I realized that what I had first written off as a Brewer's Sparrow was, in fact, a vagrant Clay-colored Sparrow. Though uncommon, these Sparrows do stray into Arizona, though I haven't heard many reports this year. This was a life bird for me, though I didn't know it at the time, and I can now add it to the list of unusual Sparrows I've seen in Phoenix, alongside Cassin's and Rufous-crowned.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiceAA3Ck_w7-tHi-y9fzb_lKzbD2sHNkRAERxxdRX0ghAlVT7lpUzX-Q7RduDgwj2TWGb3cLXqwaFHPFZOY2QxPXQ3w4foyht_Q6HTytSQ5fjzRzq3PDiFh2zCN1QJIMidE9uZdkOqy_KE/s640/DSC04083.jpg)
So, once again I proved to myself what a novice I still am. This time it doesn't sting so badly though. Clay-colored wasn't really on my radar and now I can say McCormick has provided me with that all important rare bird to really solidify it as a grand old birding spot. This also brings my birding list for this year up to 349, only 1 away from my goal!
It's not a Brewer's Sparrow, but I still think a nice cold celebratory brew is in order.