The Clay-colored Sparrows at Pheasant Branch Conservancy are fairly curious birds. Walking along the trail on their territory prompts them to scoot to a perch above the grass so they can determine if there's anything they ought to be concerned about. I can tell they're somewhat alarmed, so I keep my stay short.
It's not that they necessarily need to show me what they're having for dinner (or perhaps carrying to young) as much as I'm made to feel I've interrupted very important matters. I take the photographs as quickly as possible and leave them to their sparrow sense. As I walk away, their insect-like buzz-buzz songs start up once again.
Clay-colored Sparrows © 2008 Mike McDowell
