ML634342994

Observation details

I was dubious when Merlin picked it up the first time but then it did so on two more consecutive recordings. Finally found it in a short tree in the remains of a cranberry bog. To the northwest side of the one true symmetrical trail crossroads. In the attached audio, note that it's heard twice, at around 3:17 and 5:04. Thanks to Lisa Schibley at Manomet who pointed out there may be the beginning of a third song at 2:51. Look for the two downward-slurred notes at the start of each song. Visually, at a distance of about 20 yards, I could pick up the white eye ring, two-toned bill, pinkish legs and shoulder patch. I did not see it fly, therefore did not see the white tail feathers. Overall impression was of a much lighter shading than a Song Sparrow, the dominant sparrow in this birding spot (though today, volume wise, it was Field Sparrows). Streaking over the crown stood out as different from Song Sparrow.