Yesterday I spotted a little grayish-brown bird that I have never seen before and I have concluded that it is probably an Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe).
I am getting a little better in figuring out how to identify birds, but this is a case where I had to depend exclusively on color and size to begin my search, without any real idea of what it could be. The colors are about right and the bill shape seems to fit. Information on the internet suggests too that they are one of the earliest birds to return in the spring.
I hope that more experienced birders will correct me if my identification is incorrect. Whatever the case, though, I like the way this image came out—it helped when the bird hopped up onto the bent stalk, a pose which makes it stand out from the somewhat clutter ground-level background.
Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Looks like one to me. You can usually tell a Phoebe by their tail flicking behavior, as they perch. Nice photo, Mike!
Another clue to a phoebe’s identity is it giving its “fee-be” call
What a cutie! I really like how it stands out from the background. Nicely shot, Mike!
A fine shot, Mike–this one really stepped up and posed for you! I think you’re right about the identification, too. We have phoebes every year at our lake cabin in Minnesota.
It is a really great photo, and as always the information is superb. I really enjoy your blog.
Thanks, Charlie. I appreciate your support and encouragement.