Okay, you guys have never let me down yet.

[Maestro]

This past weekend I took a lot of shots of my yard as it was the Great Backyard Bird Count. As usual, I saw a few bluejays, a strking male northern cardinal, a few mourning doves, huge crows and tons of finches or so I thought. I think some of them were Lincoln Sparrows. What do you think?

Possible Linclon Sparrow


Another possible Lincoln Sparrow


Known female house finch

[semillama]

1. I'd go with Lincoln's

That was my first impression and a check with my Nat Geo fieldguide that sits on my desk for occasions such as these solidified it for me. Great yard bird!

[Maestro]

2. Thanks.

I am pretty sure you and I are both correct here. Thanks for looking and verifying for me.

[baby_bear]

3. Those are stunning photos

I am impressed! I am a terrible photographer, but I know a good one when I see it.

What part of the country are you in? I don't see Lincoln sparrows here in Seattle.
I have house and other finches, but my house finches look a bit different from your
photo.

Thanks for sharing!

b_b

[Maestro]

4. I'm in North Central Texas

About 35 minutes south of Dallas. I believe these are Savannah Sparrows actually. Some members of my local Audubon Society think so at least and they are infinitely smarter than me. Thanks for the nice comments. You can see more of my bird stuff here, http://Maestros.smugmug.com/gallery/2283675/1/123390208. I am just learning all this so I am definitely an amateur.

[semillama]

6. Now that I did a few comparisons of photos

I agree that they are Savannah Sparrows. I forgot that Savannahs can have a central chest spot that bold. (Also, my office field guides don't show the bird in a position where you can see the breast markings!)

[wildflowergardener]

5. my first thought

My first thought when I saw the first one was white throated sparrow. At least that's the one I see most often here in St. Louis, but I don't see the yellow on his head so it's probably different. I can tell more often by the way they hop along the ground (if I recall right - backwards I think) as they look for food.

Editing - they have a very distinctive call as well.

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/White-throated_Sparrow.html#sound

Meg