Hey all. So I definately seem to have jumped the gun on the sparrow i.d. I
rarely carry a field guide with me these days and certainly didn't expect to
find anything I couldn't I.D. while looking for the kingbird. I can honestly
say that I haven't seen this plumage before though. There were several folks
with me that were a little baffled too. I believe some photos will be put on
the OFO site. The bird was obviously a vesper after consulting the field guide
but I wouldn't really say that it fits any of the plates. The facial pattern
was unlike alternate birds and it even 'raised' a 'crest' up at me upon my
first glances which I'd never seen a vesper do before. The lower edge of the
auriculars appeared brownish-chestnut in good light (right above the black
malar stripe) and a small creamy spot at the rear edge of auriculars was
present - both of these marks appear less contrasty in the photos I saw. I'd
love to know if this is a 1st-year bird or an ad. basic-plum. bird, as several
people have put forth conflicting answers. At any rate Vespers don't seem to
be encountered very often in the late fall. I learned a good lesson today!
Cheers
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