
At least there is one sparrow that is always easy for us to identify.
The Lark Sparrow.
This large sparrow may be brown, but its harlequin facial pattern and white tail spots make it a standout among sparrows. Males sing a melodious jumble of churrs, buzzes, and trills reminiscent of an Old World lark. Their courtship is also unusual, involving a hopping and crouching display unlike other sparrows. Lark Sparrows occur in the West and the Great Plains in prairies, grasslands, and pastures with scattered shrubs. In winter, look for them in small flocks in brushy areas.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lark_Sparrow
Getting a nice long look at Lark Sparrows always makes the long drive out to visit to the grasslands and prairies complete.
However on a more serious note, prairie and grassland birds and their habitats are perhaps the most threatened birds and ecosystems in North America. A recent article in Forbes, yes Forbes, brings this problem to light and how one major bird conservation group is working to address it.
Identifying sparrows is a puzzle. This one looks like it would be simple!
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Lovely capture of this pretty Lark.
It was nice to read about a positive initiative to help birds, bringing varied partners together.
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Gorgeous, like all your wild birds
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