Ipswich Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps) - Oregon Inlet, Dare Co., NC

Ipswich Sparrow (Passerculus sandwichensis princeps)

One time I came across a flock of four Ipswich Sparrows that were hanging out near the base of the jetty on the south end of Oregon Inlet, along with one regular Savannah Sparrow - the most Ipswiches I've seen at one time! When I held still, they came out to forage on the sand all around me, and I was able to get a few shots. The Ipswich Sparrow is the large, pale subspecies of Savannah Sparrow that breeds on Sable Island, Nova Scotia. The total population fluctuates, but averages around 5000 birds.

Dare Co., NC 1/26/02.

All photographs and text ©2013 by Will Cook unless otherwise noted.