NPSpecies

Present May through November in the MDI region (Witt 1997).

Native to Maine (although rare; Palmer 1949) and North America (Long 1981).

Uncommon spring migrant, common but local breeder, and common fall migrant in the MDI region (Witt 1997).

Park Species Detail: Witt (1997) suggests that future migrant sharp-tailed sparrows should be scrutinized especially closely for the possibility of Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus). Witt (1997) reports only Ammodramus nelsoni in the MDI region and does not report any current or historic records of A. caudacutus in the MDI area. Sharp (1997) Recorded during the Breeding Bird Survey conducted June 1996; not sure if this species was recorded within park boundaries. Russell (1984?) uncommon spring migrant and breeder; uncommon to common fall migrant; maximum fall count of 6 in Bass Harbor Marsh on 23 October 1973 (W. Russell); also 2 reported at Bass Harbor Marsh on 11 November 1973 (W. Russell); all records for this species are from the Spartina marshes at Bass harbor and at the upper end of Somes Sound (along Babson's Brook). Long (1987) and Favour (1974): reports "Sharp-tailed Sparrows" at Bass Harbor Marsh. Bond (1969) best locality is Bass Harbor Marsh, also recorded from the head of Somes Sound; several nests with eggs have been found in Bass Harbor Marsh. Palmer (1949) Bird caught by a cat on 21 October 1933 near Indian Point; also "R.F. Miller (1941: 135) mentioned a nest and fragment of egg shell found on 3 July 1941 at Bass Harbor, where the nest had been washed out of its site by the tide (Bond). Bond (19??) Local summer resident (Bass Harbor Marsh); also a transient; 1 or more nests have been found. Tyson and Bond (1941): Report of this species at Bass harbor salt marsh, one banded at Great Head on 25 September 1932, one taken near Indian Point on October 21, 1933. Sullivan (1937) One taken from a house cat near Indian Point by V. Lunt and A. Stupka on 21 October 1933. Anthony (1933): 1 "Acadian Sharp Tail Sparrow" banded at Great Head between 12 August 1929 and 26 June 1933., Park Species Data Source: Witt (1997); Long (1987); Russell (1984?); Favour (1974); Bond (1969); Bond (19??); Palmer (1949); Tyson and Bond (1941); Anthony (1933)