Posted by Gary Potter (205.188.193.184) on May 30, 2000 at 18:34:08:
The sparrow seems to be an immature Spizella. In addition to David Irons comments on bill size and head pattern, I think that the tail is also much too long for Savannah Sparrow. The face pattern looks most like an immature Chipping Sparrow, but I think that the heavy streaking is beyond the range of Chipping. The facial pattern with dark on the lores does not look like typical Clay-colored or Brewer's, nor does the heaving breast streaking. I conclude that David Irons hit the nail on the head with first fall "Timberling Sparrow". The heavy black streaking fits, and the dark lores seem to look like the bird pictured in Rising's Sparrow book. There should be more dark coloration on the auricular area, but the photo is obviously overexposed, which may account for some of the lightening of the facial pattern.
My first impression of the vireo was Philadelphia, but I would expect it to show more yellow on the throat and breast. Could this also be washed out due to over exposure. The bill looks almost too dainty for a Vireo, but everything else says vireo, so I think that Philadelphia is the best choice.