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White-throated Sparrow Song

Back in late November I did some birding while staying at Steve's friend's farm in Baltic, CT. Naturally I wanted to put my sparrow identification skills to the test. We had done a walk at dusk Saturday night but my camera batteries died. But I couldn't disappoint my BirdingGirl readers and come back empty-handed! Even after staying up pretty late Saturday night (there was a party with a bonfire) I dragged myself out of bed at 7am when I heard the birdies calling to me!

Still had some poor battery life to deal with, but got these shots and accompanying audio.
Song Sparrow(?)
White-throated Sparrow:


White-throated Sparrow Song:

Comments

Anonymous said…
This is my absolute favorite sparrow song!
Cathleen Voss said…
@Steve- it really is beautiful! I'm excited to add it to my (very short) list of songs I know.
Larry said…
It is such a clear and pure sparrow song.I've worked on sparro identifications every year.I've got most of it down now but still get confused by the less juveniles now and then.
John (Tucker) said…
Just found your blog. Love it! I live in Bridgewater too. Bird as often as possible and then some. Visit my blog.
Cathleen Voss said…
@Larry- Great to hear from you! Yes- it's one of the few I've been able to master. I have noticed the variations, and they must be juvenile/adult differences as you said.

@John- Thanks for stopping by! I just visited your blog. Your trip to the Everglades must have been amazing! Great pics.

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