I was thrilled on 18 December to capture this shot of a beautiful little Field Sparrow (Spizella pusilla) during a visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. I initially heard this bird as it was foraging in the underbrush and was searching for it when it unexpectedly hopped up onto a fallen branch. The little sparrow posed momentarily for me and I was able to capture this cool little portrait of it. Even though the background is pretty cluttered, the sparrow really stands out in the shot.
When I took the photo, I was not able to identify the sparrow species. However, the rust colored crown, orange-pink bill, and white eye ring as quite distinctive, so I was able to find the Field Sparrow in my identification guide. Still I was not absolutely certain of my identification, so I posted a photo to a Facebook birding group and several experts there confirmed that it was indeed a Field Sparrow.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a great photo! I, too, have trouble telling the difference amongst some of the sparrows. I like the background as it’s the natural environment for the bird. Thank you for continuing in some ‘not so pleasant’ weather. Happy Holidays to you and yours.
Thanks so much, Ann. Happy Holidays to you as well.