While doing a big day in central MN yesterday (120 species in Sherburne, Mille Lacs & Aitkin Counties - while missing some "bunnies") - a sparrow popped up that baffles me a bit. Observations follow:
* Relatively thin black eye line that proceeded to but not through the eye * Relatively thick white chin line * Dark upper breast - initially reminded me of a Harris' upper chest, then realized that the area was full of dark lines, not solid color * Larger body, well within the normal brown colors of an average sparrow * Song: clear, six+ notes - not insect-like or buzzy at all - not particularly rolling or bubbly either - bird threw back it's head from branches of a dead tree about 15 feet high and let loose like a Song Sparrow - song was unlike any sparrow's I've heard before - I'm conversant with the normal upper Midwest sparrow songs, but not in the western or plains states varieties * Location: open field next to a small farm, boreal woods across the road - area known for unusual species - north central MN (for those who know the state, "Pietz Road" just off of CR 18 in Aitkin County, near the area BB Magpies & GG Owls are sometimes seen) Closest illustration I could find is Sibley's female Lark Bunting - some of the unusual Savannahs are close, except the song was dramatically different - opinions and thoughts? Thanks! Al Schirmacher Princeton, MN Mille Lacs & Sherburne Counties
