Juvenile Song Sparrows

I was out in the garden the other day, and heard a constant chirping.  I looked up to see a Song Sparrow sitting on an old iron sculpture we have.  And then there were two!  They came and went for several minutes while I snapped some pictures, a few of my rare bird pictures where the bird is close enough to see!

They gave the impression of being two young birds just off the nest, which was in some cedars near our deck.  They made virtually no noise in the nest, but one of these must have been missing its parent bringing food, because it kept up a constant chirping for a long time.

One briefly sat on an old raspberry twig within camera range, giving me a chance for one more natural-looking picture.

I recognize the Song Sparrow mainly through its song, which is repeated frequently throughout our small neighbourhood.  But its also recognized by the cluster of dark feathers forming a spot on its breast.

I was surprised by the result of this picture, which shows quite a difference in feather patterns on the two birds.  Just natural variation, but I've never noticed a Song Sparrow with the 3 dark patches that the one on the left here has.

Linking to: