There's only a few select areas where you regularly see Grasshopper Sparrows in Connecticut. Years ago, there was a large area of land in East Hartford where I went to see them, but that habitat was ruined due to development. I also had one crummy photo taken at Northwest Park from about 25 years ago so I was glad to get a closeup look and photo at Suffield Wildlife Management Area. Fortunately, they managed large field areas in Suffield CT which is also half in Massachusetts. It eventually became good habitat for these prized sparrows. I was able to see my first Blue Grosbeak there as well which is considered a rarity. The Grasshopper Sparrow has a buzzy insect-like call and as the name suggests, they like to eat grasshoppers.There have been many attempts at managing large open fields in hopes of attracting grassland species like meadowlarks, certain sparrows, Bobolinks, etc. The fields may look appealing to us but that doesn't guarantee that it will attract the desired species. Birds can be very particular in what they are looking for.
I was glad to see their efforts paid off at the Suffield Wildlife Management area!
