Fall Sparrows
I used to think sparrows were some of the least interesting and least colorful birds—just little brown birds that all look alike. But I’ve changed my mind as I’ve become more interested in birds in general, and realized that there are so many different sparrow species. Many of them we only get to see during spring and/or fall migration so paying attention during these periods really pays off if you’re a birder. This fall I’ve been lucky to find and photograph quite a few different sparrows and learn about their habits and habitat. Pretty cool stuff. Here are some of the sparrows I’ve photographed in the last month. Enjoy!
Lincoln’s Sparrow. With it’s alert posture and punky hairdo, it’s one of my favorite sparrows.
White-throated Sparrow. A denizen of the north making its way back to its wintering grounds in the southeast U.S.
Song Sparrow. A summer resident and a sparrow that most of us recognize by song if not by sight.
Le Conte’s Sparrow. This was a first for me this fall. A strikingly marked little beauty.
Another view of the Le Conte’s Sparrow.
Nelson’s Sparrow. Another uncommon fall visitor.
Savanna Sparrow. Beautiful and rather friendly allowing for nice close-up photographs.
Field Sparrow. Another summer resident. They look so cute and fluffy and perpetually surprised with their white eye-ring.
Swamp Sparrow. Another Wisconsin summer resident.
Swamp Sparrow 2. Amongst the cattails where they are often found.
White-crowned Sparrow. Can’t really mistake this guy for any other species! The racing striped helmet gives it away!
Field Sparrow 2.
Fox Sparrow. One of the largest sparrows and a summer resident of northern Canada and Alaska.
There you have it, a Fall Sparrow roundup!