I arrived at Fort CF Smith Park (Arlington) yesterday after work (6pm) for a
short walk to take in some of that amazing Spring-ness. I parked got out to
start walking around the back part of the path when I was stopped by some
little birds on the edge gravel path. Right away, I noticed that the one
sparrow was not something I'd seen much of before.
It has the immediate appearance of a Song Sparrow, but for anyone who's seen a
ton of Song Sparrows, this one just didn't fit the bill. Of course I had come
sans-bird-book, so I jotted notes down. The eye stripe had a yellow hue to it,
the belly stripping seemed more distinct, and I never could get it to turn
directly towards me to see the "Song Sparrow Spot", but even in side profile, I
didn't see one. Then it hopped out clear into the path (from the grass) and
it's legs were so orange that I knew it was something different.
I later noted several Song Sparrows and confirmed that I wasn't crazy. That
was no Song Sparrow! Upon arriving home and comparing my notes with Sibley's,
I confirmed that I had indeed seen a SAVANNAH SPARROW.
Other birds of notes were Eastern Phoebe's singing, Blue Gray Gnatcatchers
buzzing, Goldfinches, tons of Robins and Downy & Red-Bellied Woodpeckers.
Savannah Sparrow was certainly the highlight.
-Renee Grebe
Alexandria, VA
