Steve,

I can't believe you sent this out today.  I was birding just yesterday
(1/10) in central Columbus near Waterman Farm and came across what I thought
was a song sparrow because of the streaked breast but upon closer look I
noticed the white chin and yellow above the eyes indicating a White-throated
Sparrow.  I was confused. It was nice to see someone else have the same
find.

Based on my field guide, I am assuming this is a juvenile White-throated
Sparrow.  I managed a photo, not so great, but detailed enough.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrydeatley/4267900838/in/set-7215762305851323
4/

If anyone has an opinion other than juvenile White-Throated Sparrow I would
be very appreciate for the feedback.

And Steve I'd be curious if this is what yours looked like up in Cleveland
Heights.

Larry DeAtley
Orient, OH

-----Original Message-----
From: Ohio birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Steve
Cagan
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2010 12:32 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [Ohio-birds] Unusual White-throated Sparrow

Hi Everyone,

This winter we have a small group of White-throated sparrows visiting
our feeders every day here in the wilds of Cleveland Heights (that's
pretty unusual for us to begin with), but in the last few days there
has been an unusual bird among them. This certainly seems to be a
White-throat, but it has heavy streaking on the breast, and a breast
spot. If you looked just at the breast, you would call it a Song
Sparrow (in fact, the first time I saw this bird it was on the bird
bath, facing me, and I thought it was one).

I know there have been documented White-throat hybrids with Dark-eyed
Junco. I can't help wondering whether this might be a White-throat x
Song hybrid.

Any ideas?

Best wishes,

Steve Cagan
Cleveland Heights, Cuyahoga County

--------------------------------------------
Steve Cagan, photographer

[log in to unmask]
www.stevecagan.com
www.pbase.com/stevecagan
216-932-2753 (USA)





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