My grandfather once told me that the Savannah Sparrow is probably the most abundant breeding bird in fields, bogs and other low growth throughout Ontario. They are, however, not as noticeable as Song Sparrows which have louder songs usually sung from a prominent perch.
As a result I have taken hundreds of Song Sparrow photos but few of the Savannah Sparrow.
I found one this morning concealed in a willow shrub at Lynde Shores:
MYSTERY BIRD
I will identify it art the end of the post.
Other birds:
Lynde Shores:
Some botany:
MYSTERY BIRD
Certainly one of our most beautiful birds with its thick pale bill, and a large triangle of rose-red on the breast – a male Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
NATURE POETRY
Beyond me in the fields the sun
Soaks in the grass and hath his will;
I count the marguerites one by one;
Even the buttercups are still. – Archibald Lampman (1861–99)
Miles Hearn
I should have remembered the “mystery bird” (It did look VERY familiar), it having been finally identified for me by a previous post of yours, years after I remembered seeing it inside a thicket on a hike I took with a friend! I never forgot it, but was unable to identify it at the time—until your post!
I will also never forget the trip five (or so) of us took to Lynde Shores for a late winter/early spring (?) bird walk, with its wonderful variety of terrain (woods, fields, meadows, pond, Lake)! These beautiful pictures are also a wonderful reminder of this place. Thanks, Miles!