Dutch Birding volume 29 (2007) no 1

Song Sparrow at Kabbelaarsbank in April 2006

On 30 April 2006, a Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia was observed at Kabbelaarsbank, Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands. The bird stayed in an area closed to the public and, as a result, was seen by only 10 birders. It was identified by the combination of large size (for a bunting/sparrow) with long and rounded tail, streaked upperparts, strong head pattern with prominent grey stripes, streaked breast with concentration of black spots on the centre of the breast and rufous-brown tail. It belonged to one of the eastern subspecies, probably the nominate M m melodia. This is the first for the Netherlands, the third for Europe outside Britain and the 10th for Europe. Previous records (see table 1) are from Belgium (one in September), Britain (seven; one in October, others in April-June) and Norway (one in May).

Pim A Wolf, Batenburg 63, 4385 HG Vlissingen, Nederland
(wolfpfzeelandnet.nl)
Enno B Ebels, Joseph Haydnlaan 4, 3533 AE Utrecht, Nederland
(ebelswxs.nl)