I believe this was the female. Its shoulder patch has less extensive chestnut color. Vesper Sparrows and Horned Larks were singing in the fields around our condo, so I set out in the car and listened for them, using the car as a photographic blind.
The weather in NE Illinois (North Aurora, Kane County) has turned cool after several very hot days, allowing us to sleep with open windows. This morning I heard both the Horned Larks and at least one Vesper Sparrow singing in the field in front of our condo, then saw both along the road as I drove out. Because of necessary chores, I could not get out to find them again until late this afternoon. The sparrow was just a lucky appearance, as I had parked the car next to a rock where I last saw the Horned Lark. The lark then showed up on the same post that had served the sparrow this morning! Visit blog.rosyfinch.com
Vesper Sparrows and Horned Larks were singing in the fields around our condo, so I set out in the car and listened for them, using the car as a photographic blind. Visit blog.rosyfinch.com
Vesper Sparrows and Horned Larks were singing in the fields around our condo, so I set out in the car and listened for them, using the car as a photographic blind.
Although we heard them singing early in the morning, Vesper Sparrows got their name because of their habit of singing before dark. This male was near the other bird and did sing quietly a few times. Vesper Sparrows and Horned Larks were singing in the fields around our condo, so I set out in the car and listened for them, using the car as a photographic blind.