[Bristol-Birds] juvenile Savannaha Sparrow at Paddle Creek Pond

From: "Wallace Coffey" <jwcoffey@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Bristol-birds" <bristol-birds@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:49:59 -0400



































 Photos by Wallace Coffey
 
These images of an apparent juvenile Savannah
Sparrow were taken today, 25 July 2012, at
Paddle Creek Pond in eastern Sullivan Co., TN.

Among some comments you might enjoy are that
the bird perched on a fence post along the lane
leading back to the upper end of the pond and the
pole is about 6 inches in diameter.  The lower left
pic shows large feet.  The upper and lower left
the stout bill.  A slight spot is visible on the breast.
The legs are pink or flesh colored. There is no
pronounced eyering and the mid stripe on the
forehead and crown rather obscured. Top and middle left photos reveal a light 
outer tail feather.
The tail notched.  White bellow and light streaking on the flank. No yellow 
above eye or at lores between eye and bill. It displayed a slightly crouching 
posture.  It was not shy.  Very unconcerned about my presence.  Not flushed 
with approach of car and not alarmed when I stood in road with scope to get 
photos.  No apparent wingbars.  Wings somewhat long. Wings showed rufous when 
folded. Top edge of bill (culmen) curved.  It flew from pole to pole and 
sometimes to and from fence wires. Made no effort to go down in grass.  Perched 
mostly motionless (except for looking around).  It perched
in open for at least 30 minutes.  Only once went to ground when it landed in 
road and mostly hopped but also took a few walking steps as it approached a 
rain puddle to drink.  Did not attempt to hide.  Difference in color of bird in 
top two images caused by cameras exposures.  Open to any difference in opinions 
or other observations as well as comments.  The species first found in Sullivan 
County during breeding season of 2005.  A few records since, including a couple 
or so at Paddle Creek Pond.

Wallace Coffey
Bristol, TN

[Bristol-Birds] juvenile Savannaha Sparrow at Paddle Creek Pond

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