New Bird (Sort Of)

Last night I was at my sister’s house and early this morning I glanced out the window at the bird feeder. I saw a small brown sparrow with a pale gray breast and prominent, white “eyebrows.” I thought to myself, “That’s odd, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a White-Throated Sparrow at the feeder. They prefer to be on the ground.” I watched for a minute longer while the sparrow walked around the perch that surrounds the feeder. The morning sun hit the top of his head and suddenly I could see the rusty cap. It was a Chipping Sparrow. I’ve seen Chipping Sparrows in New York, but this is the first I’ve seen in Maryland and the first at our feeder.

Later that day, I saw the ever-present, ground feeding White Throated Sparrow.

Later in the day, I sat near the feeder with my camera to see if I could get a shot. After a few profiles, the Chipping Sparrow was kind enough to give me a good angle on that head.