I can’t resist sharing a couple more Swamp Sparrow shots of this little dude all floofed out and looking fancy haha!
With that gorgeous mix of rust, steel and black plumage, these sharp looking birds are fast becoming my favorite wintertime sparrow species to photograph.

I spotted this one yesterday morning while birding at Harris Lake Park in New Hill N.C.
He popped out of the brush next to the lake to check me out as I was walking along the waters edge next to an open field.

From what I can tell, Swamp Sparrows are curious and dare I say friendly birds lol! This particular one was very curious about my presence in his domain and landed within just a few feet of my position to check me out.
After a few minutes he flew off to find a bite to eat on the leaf covered path next to the water.

Most often found in wetland areas, swamps and along the shorelines of ponds and streams, the Swamp Sparrow has longer legs than other members of the sparrow family. This unique adaptation allows it to wade in shallow water to hunt for a meal where other species of sparrows can not. Aquatic insects are definitely on it’s menu as well as the more typical sparrow fare of the seeds of grasses, weeds, and sedges.

Listen for their calls of “weeeet, weeet” near bodies of water, especially in the early morning. They will stick around NC until early May so there’s plenty of time for you to see one too!

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the mighty @canonusa
#5Ds