Two Field Sparrows in Big Blue's side yard...

I had a little extra time today, so I headed over to the heronry. All the nests were occupied with little heron heads peeping over the tops, but what caught my eye was a tiny peep and movement in the huge brush pile in the field over by a small pond. I’ve been hoping to see a Field Sparrow, because…I haven’t seen one yet!! I know it’s a common bird, and everyone’s seen one, but not me, so my heart leapt when I saw the pinkish-orange beak and legs through the lens of my camera. Finally!! A Field Sparrow, and I couldn’t have stumbled upon a more obliging couple. These two little cuties were very brave and let me get surprisingly close. I did the old “stand still like a tree and maybe they won’t notice me thing,” and slowly, I was able to approach the brush pile to get some nice shots.


I can see why these little birds hang out in the grass and brush and low bushes. They blend right in like they are wearing the latest in camouflage.




In the sun, their little beaks seemed to glow pink-orange, and I knew they were Field Sparrows before I looked through the lens. This couple stayed together foraging in the grass and in and out of the twigs in the brush pile. They would peep every now and then, but did not do any singing.




Sometimes one would tug at nesting material and pick it up, but I couldn’t find where they were taking it. I stayed and watched for a long time. They were very sweet. Funny thing, they seemed to like the little electronic sound the camera would make as it focused. It’s a very tiny peep sound, right before the click. When I got home and read about them in my bird guides, I found out that they are known for being tame and curious and respond to squeaking and pishing by birders! So that explains why they stuck around listening to the camera squeak.

Looks like a little nesting preparation is going on!