While birding at Lake Betz in Morrisville NC a few days ago, I was happy to spot this lovely little Swamp Sparrow by one of the the small ponds.

These pretty little ones are a small, dark sparrow which are often hard to get a good look at because of their habit of hiding in dense vegetation.

That being said, usually just a glimpse is enough to ID this bird. In particular, look for the grey face, upper breast, and nape, the very richly brown colored back and black striped back and wings.

Here in North Carolina they may be found foraging in freshwater & brackish wetland areas with dense vegetation, such as cattails and sedges, and often where woody vegetation such as alder or willow thickets are present along the waters edge.

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame @canonusa
#5Ds