Vesper Sparrow: Flash of rust-red on the wings

Vesper Sparrow, watching me from a branch  © SB

Vesper Sparrows sang from branches, perched on picnic tables and watched us from the grass during our trip to Grasslands National Park.

These large sparrows with the rust-red flash on their wings were among the most frequent birds we saw.

I find it interesting that Sibley says "rufous lesser coverts (rarely visible)", as almost all the Vesper Sparrow that I saw had clear — if small — red wing markings...

Perhaps we were lucky, or perhaps these Vesper Sparrows at Grasslands are calm and happy to display their colours...

And yes, they do sing at Vespers (evening time), but also at other times of day.

Vesper Sparrow, posing beside a picnic table, at Grasslands National Park  © SB

Lovely rust and brown Vesper Sparrow.  © SB

What are these birds?  Vesper Sparrows  - Bruants vespérals

Location: Grasslands National Park, Saskatchewan, Canada. 

Photo date:  June 24, 2015.

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Message to the Vesper Sparrow in my Regina Backyard

Vesper Sparrow, a large brown-streaked native bird. © SB

To the Vesper Sparrow that landed in our backyard and hopped around, exploring:

Yes, we have grass, but our suburb in Regina's northwest is not the grasslands.

You will be happier out of the city, so I can understand why you stayed such a very short time before flying away.

I'm sorry we didn't have more bugs and small seeds for you — I can't even promise that we'll do better next time, because it's likely better for you if you find a wilder place. (Though my yard is pretty wild, by some standards...)

I wish, though, that you'd come in early morning — or stay until evening — so I could hear you sing.

So many regrets.

But welcome back! I'm glad you dropped by, with your chestnut wing patch, white outer tail feathers, white eye-ring and streaky feathers.

What is this bird? Vesper Sparrow - Bruant vespéral
Location: Backyard, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Photo date: April 26, 2015.

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