Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

You walk out of the the store into the parking lot and what do you see--that is, if you look in the trees?  More than likely, sparrows.  They're everywhere, and we often filter them out of our awareness so that we don't even notice them.  But there are many different kinds of sparrows, and if you're new to birding, you may find it confusing that there are even two groups of sparrows.  There are "old world" sparrows (true sparrows) and "new world" sparrows, which are more closely related to buntings than to old world sparrows.   I believe sparrows are beautiful birds.  Look, for instance, at these photos of a Swamp Sparrow I found at Orlando Wetlands Park a few weeks ago.  Sure, they aren't as colorful as buntings, but you have to admit that this sparrow is a mighty fine bird to see.

Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow