>From Nick Bonomo: 10/2 - Orange, field at Rte 34xRte 121 -- CLAY-COLORED SPARROW at 4:15pm Also seen: 20 Palm Warbler (about 50/50 split between Eastern and Western types) 15 WT Sparrow 1 Chipping Sparrow 3 Swamp Sparrow 7 Song Sparrow 80 Savannah Sparrow This afternoon I made my first visit of the season to this local field, which was formerly a corn field but was purchased a couple years ago by a developer (who else). The developer let the field go to weeds for a while, but they are slowly starting to develop the land. Still, most of the habitat remains. It is currently about 40 contiguous acres of various weeds and wildflowers. Unfortunately there is very little woody vegetation. Last year there were a few weedy mounds of dirt, but these have been removed. The field attracts large numbers of Savannah Sparrows (sometimes triple digits) and Palm Warblers. You basically have to sort through these two species to get to the other stuff. I think there is potential for some goodies to turn up here, such as today's Clay-colored. With some luck, Blue Grosbeak may occur here.....and as long as I'm dreaming, an Ammodramus sparrow or Sedge Wren. Directions: >From the intersection of Route 34 and Route 121 (Grassy Hill Road) in Orange, head South on Route 121. You will see the field on your left as you drive. Take your first LEFT onto Skyview Road. Follow this paved road to its very end, at a cul-de-sac, and park here. There are very few paths through the fields, so you'll have to walk among the weeds to see most of the birds. For the Clay-colored: walk back up the paved road a few yards and look to your left. In the field you'll see a small isolated tree with some shrubbery growing at its base. The Clay-colored was in this tree/shrub. Nick Bonomo Orange, CT