Nowadays when I see a little brown bird, my first thought is that it’s probably some kind of sparrow. In this case, however, the beak seemed to be too long to be a sparrow, so I had to so some research. I’m pretty sure this pretty little bird is a Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). In addition to the beak, I was able to use the white eye stripe and uplifted tail as identification features.
In addition to the internet, I now have my first hardcopy identification guide, Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America, a thank-you gift from friends for catsitting. I suspect that this may turn out to be the first of a series of guides that I’ll end up acquiring.
Carolina Wren
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
That’s a pretty bird!
Wrens are beautiful birds. In Arizona, the Cactus Wren is the state bird.
Thanks for sharing the Carolina Wren.
They definitely are beautiful, although unfamiliar to me. I just got started photographing birds only a few months ago and am gradually learning to identify them. Thanks for sharing the links–the cactus wren is certainly beautiful.
Beautiful picture. Wrens are fascinating birds that are known for building their nests in flower pots, porch rafters, and lots of other places close to humans where their offspring will be safe from most of their natural predators.
Thanks for the additional information, Jo Ann. As I mention fairly often in my postings, I am really new to photographing birds and gradually am learning about some of the birds that I see. The variations in the colors, sizes, and habits of these birds continue to amaze me as encounter new varieties.