A touch of yellow

I caught this Savannah sparrow at the marsh yesterday morning. A common sparrow, it can be easily overlooked. But this time of the year, in the breeding season, the yellow stripe over its eye is especially bright, helping it stand out.

The Plain Jane of the sparrows

What a difference a day makes. This morning the weather was gorgeous, and the water at the marsh was as smooth as silk. Ducks were feeding all over the marsh, and birds were still in evidence in the trees and in the vegetation at the water's edge. I caught this Savannah Sparrow perched on a Curly Dock seed stalk, a common plant at the marsh. The Savannahs should be departing within the next month, although the odd one may winter over.

Common inhabitant

While trying to find the leopard frog that had hopped out of my way as I walked down to the viewing stand today, I heard some rustling in the cattails. It turned out to be this Savannah Sparrow. These sparrows are common in grassy and weedy habitats, so are often seen here in the marsh. It should be around for a while yet, probably not heading south until later next month.

Songster

As I was about to enter the wooded section of the trail this morning, I kept hearing this lovely bird song, sort of like that of a Song Sparrow, but not quite. I finally found the bird that was singing - it was this Savannah Sparrow. I don't think I've ever heard one sing before.

Feather frenzy

This young Savannah Sparrow (I think) also looked disheveled this morning, possibly as a result of a severe drenching.

Gotcha!

These little Savannah Sparrows are almost always seen hopping along the path or flitting about the grasses and bushes alongside. It's difficult to get a photo of one, as they move so quickly and are quite timid. Luckily this morning this one held still just long enough for me to take its picture.