I'm reading up on the Harris's Sparrow because there's been one hanging out in Vermont lately. It's one of those birds people are making the drive to see and now I understand why. Not only is it one sharp looking sparrow but it's winter migration is quite unique as evidenced by this animated map from eBird.
This is what eBird calls an Occurence Map, which is a STEM (Spatio-Temporal Exploratory Model) which allows eBird to predict where birds will occur and when. Basically giving us some mind blowing maps showing the annual cycle that birds follow.
According to eBird here's what's so cool about the Harris's Sparrow:
"Harris’s Sparrow is one of only four bird species with its breeding range entirely in Canada. Its wintering range is also unusual, and it can be expected only in the central United States from central Texas to Nebraska and from Colorado east to Arkansas. This central Canada to central Great Plains migration is unique among North American birds. The periods of passage show up well on the animation, with migration beginning in mid-September and peaking in October."
Gas up the car, I think I might have to make a day of it.