Sparrow, Harris's
Description: This bird of the stunted northern forest makes a rare visit if it strays east of its normal plains migration route. It is visible across the Garden and normally on the ground.
Sparrow, Grasshopper*
Description: This is a rare grassland sparrow seen mostly on migration when found at the Garden.
Sparrow, Fox
Description: Look for this bird of early spring and late fall singly or in small groups in the McDonald Woods or other wooded habitats at the Garden.
Sparrow, Field
Description: Look for this bird of the shrub prairie in the Dixon Prairie when it is passing through.
Sparrow, Clay-colored
Description: When this bird of shrub prairies is seen on migration, it is likely to be found in the Dixon Prairie.
Sparrow, Chipping***
Description: Look for this common nesting bird near low conifers where it prefers to build its nests.
Sparrow, American Tree
Description: This tundra nester only visits the Garden in late fall through early spring. Look for it foraging for seeds on the surface of the snow in the Dixon Prairie.
Sora
Description: The sora may be visible during spring and fall migration on Marsh Island and in shoreline vegetation.
Snipe, Common
Description: The snipe is a common, medium-sized shorebird, most often seen on Marsh Island in the Dixon Prairie or along sedge covered shorelines.
Siskin, Pine***
Description: Most winters, thanks to volunteer Peter Dogiakos, who fills homemade bird feeders with thistle in the Enabling Garden, Garden visitors can get close views of a northern bird species called the pine siskin. Gregarious little birds, pine siskins give rising, buzzy, “zreeee” calls as they sit in trees or fly to spruce cones and feeders to dine.
Pine siskins often hang out with American goldfinches, which are similar in shape and size. The siskins, however, have thinner bills and streaked bodies. They often sport yellow on their wing bars and tails.