What is one thing nearly all of the sparrows have in common? Those special earth tones, with varying shades of brown making up a lot of their appearance because they are ground-based birds. This Song Sparrow was showing that off with its camouflage working wonderfully and apparently letting it feel comfortable enough to let me shoot these close-up photos.
They really are brilliant little birds, and I mean that for all the many subspecies of Song Sparrow in the world. One wonders how many of these would or will evolve to completely different species over time. Even now it is vital to always protect as much of a bird’s range as possible with populations holding different traits and attributes that may one day lead to a distinctly new form of life, or already fill a niche that cannot be replaced.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
