Posted by Gary Gulash on December 24, 2009 at 12:46 AM
I photographed this sparrow on June 7/09 in northwestern Alberta but I just started thinking about its possible id today again. I'm thinking either a Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow or LeConte's Sparrow. The photo is pretty cluttered, it's just for documentation purposes. This was a riparian area with willow and sedges. Either one would be a first sighting and photo for me. I could really use some help making the call, thanks!
Gary, Nice photo - I agree with your assessment that it's a LeConte's Sparrow thanks to the dark black streaks on its side and back. The Nelson's tend to sport lighter stripes.
It's sure an interesting-looking bird, I'd love to get a photo of one of these!
Nancy
www.NancyWagnerPhotography.com
Seattle
Posted by Jim DeWitt on December 24, 2009 at 2:18 AM
The willow hides the nape of the neck and the scapulars, concealing two of the field marks, but I think it is more likely a LeConte's than Nelson's Sharp-tailed. In addition to the marks Nancy mentioned, I'd add the very narrow eye stripe.
Posted by Nick Saunders on December 24, 2009 at 8:55 AM
If you had heard it singing that would have been the clincher
Discussion
3 repliesIt's sure an interesting-looking bird, I'd love to get a photo of one of these!
Nancy
www.NancyWagnerPhotography.com
Seattle