Sparrow ID??

[Bill Dix]

Seen last week near Scarborough Marsh, MA. Good habitat for Saltmarsh or Nelson's, both of which were sighted there that day, but doesn't look to me like either. Lacks the well-defined mustache of Savannah; and relatively fine streaks and white median crown-stripe should rule out Song Sparrow. Is it a possible Vesper even though not the perfect habitat?? Or a juvenile something?? Thanks for any help.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Looks pretty much like a Savannah to me with those yellowish lores and overall colouring. Perhaps someone can positively ID it.

[Myer Bornstein]

Savannah was my id just looking at the picture and not seeing Daniel answer

[Chris Sloan]

Do you have other photos of this bird? My first reaction was Savannah also, and I still think that's what it is, but there are features (white eye ring, apparent white outer tail feathers) that suggest Vesper.

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for looking. Chris: here is the only other shot I got of him, rather cluttered but does show the side of the face a bit better. Doesn't show the tail feathers well. It does seem to show the white band below the eye wrapping partially around behind the cheek, and an almost complete eye ring; and lacks any strong mustache, which made it appear somewhat like Sibley's description of a Vesper.

[Chris Sloan]

I don't think the eye ring is anywhere near strong enough to be a Vesper. Plus, Vespers tend to look paler overall than this particular Savannah.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Chris. Sounds like three out of three. I'll go with Savannah. Thanks for responding.