New York Sparrow (1 Viewer)

[lassa8]

Taken in a weedy field, central New York, September 2007.

 

[lassa8]

Didn't realize the bird would be so small. Here's a crop.

I should also mention that the ID of the bird is already known....just testing you!

 

[AlexC]

Melospiza I believe. I'll take Song.

 

[Michael W]

Yep, Song Sparrow. Looks a little bit scruffy, but still very much a Song Sparrow.

 

[Dave Hall]

Hi I agree your bird is a Song Sparrow

 

[Larry Lade]

I do not think this is a Song Sparrow. I realize that Song Sparrows are quite variable, but I think they usually (if not always) are more heavily streaked and have a dark "whisker stripe" which this bird does not show. It could be the angle, but the tail looks rather short for a Song Sparrow too.

I would be more inclined towards a Savannah Sparrow or maybe even a Vesper Sparrow (with a very dull eyering).

So, what is it lassa8!

 

[Microtus]

The photo looks like a Song Sparrow to me. The bill is too big for Savannah, which should have more contrast between light and dark feathers on the head. The supercilium that starts light in front of the eye, then darkens a little while continuting behind the eye is a feature of Song Sparrow. Vesper Sparrow would show less in the the way of contrast between the light and the dark feathers on the face, and ought to have a distinctly dusky upper mandible.

The photo looks a little over-exposed to me. The tail is held at an angle making it look shorter. The tail looks like it ius cocked toward the observer, not away, and because it then looks too short for even Savannah, I think that entire tail is growing in at the same time.

Rob

 

[JWN Andrewes]

I like the fact that, contra popular public perception (mine included), a weedy field can be found in central New York!

Another vote for Song Sparrow here.

James

 

[birderbf]

Song. Not enough gray for Lincoln's. Not enough contrast for Sav or Vesper.

 

[Jos Stratford]

I like the fact that, contra popular public perception (mine included), a weedy field can be found in central New York!

It might be central New York state, as opposed to central New York city but that too was my first thought, not what was the bird, but where is the weedy field1

 

[lassa8]

Good job! It was a scruffy little Song Sparrow in between practicing next spring's song. It was taken in Dryden, NY, which is in central New York state.

 

[Larry Lade]

Hi, Michael W, its good to have you back after about a six month absence!

I just couldn't quite get around this Song Sparrow, Ryan. Maybe I'll have better luck, should you post another bird photo!

 

[AlexC]

six month absence!

This seems to happen to a lot of members! 8-P Myself included!

 

[Michael W]

Thanks for the welcome back Larry! Yeah, I have been gone a long time. I used to be here all the time when I was homeschooled a few years ago. I still go birding a lot though, and am no less active in the field then I used to be (more active now if anything). I just don't often make it on to birdforum. ^_^ Hope to be back every now and then!

 

[Grousemore]

Thanks for the welcome back Larry! Yeah, I have been gone a long time. I used to be here all the time when I was homeschooled a few years ago. I still go birding a lot though, and am no less active in the field then I used to be (more active now if anything). I just don't often make it on to birdforum. ^_^ Hope to be back every now and then!

THAT is the important thing; good luck.