7 replies to this topic

[Callie Cat]

Here is a photo (not a good one, that little bird was moving around quickly) of a sparrow seen in dune grass on a sand bar between the Chesapeake Bay and a small lagoon in Virginia. It popped up out of the grass and was nice enough to sit in view for about 2 seconds before flying away and disappearing into another patch of grass. Any ideas (I have a guess, but I don't want to bias)

http://www.flickr.co...N04/6923536496/

[PoorMatty]

Savannah Sparrow. The habitat and behavior you mention is pretty classic too.

[Callie Cat]

Thanks. I was hoping for a different one, but I see the match.

[PoorMatty]

What did you hope it was? Maybe I can help you to recognize one when you do see it.

[Callie Cat]

I was hoping for a seaside sparrow.

[Callie Cat]

It was a good weekend for unusual sparrows (at least ones that I have trouble IDing) I saw the Savannah here and a Swamp Sparrow that I posted for validation earlier. Also saw a bluegray gnatcatcher sitting on its nest.

[PoorMatty]

Oh, I can see why you thought Seaside. Seaside is a darker, grayer-looking bird with quite a long bill in comparison to a Savannah. They are also typically birds of salt marshes with lots of grassy vegetation rather than sand dunes.

[Callie Cat]

I know a couple of places to look. Thanks for the help.