Sharp-tailed Sparrows at Scarborough Marsh

I believe that this is a hybrid between Nelson's Sparrow and Saltmarsh Sparrow. Locals use the old name for the two species before they were split into two species for these birds, "Sharp-tailed Sparrow." Note the whitish breast typical of Saltmarsh Sparrow but the indistinct blurred flank and belly streaks more typical of Nelson's Sparrow.

Today was my day to head toward Boston for an early flight tomorrow AM. On the way I stopped at Scarbourough Marsh, a large saltwater marsh in southern Maine, where both species that used to be Sharp-tailed Sparrow can be found breeding together. In 1995 the ABA formally split what had been the Sharptailed Sparrow species into two species, Nelson’s Sparrow and Saltmarsh Sparrow. These are similar looking species, but were determined to be separate species based on different songs, mostly separate range, and differences in appearance. The coast of southern Maine, and specifically Scarbourough Marsh is an area where both species can be found literally beside each other in the extensive saltmarsh habitat there.

On this Saltmarsh Sparrow note the whitish breast and belly lacking the orangish wash expected on a Nelson's Sparrow and the crisp dark streaking on the flanks. Also check out the leg bands.

I had not seen either species in Maine prior to today, and decided to spend my last few hours of birding in ME trying to find and identify these two birds. It was a battle, but I managed after a couple of hours of looking to hear and see both. The Nelson’s Sparrow has a louder and simpler song, that to me sounds like a hiss that sounds like it is hissing out its full lung volume and just runs out of air at the end. Saltmarsh Sparrow has a quieter song that is more varied, has some non-hiss sounds intermixed with a quiet hissing sound.

Another look at the same Saltmarsh Sparrow.

The first one I saw was a Nelson’s Sparrow, with a classic song, and I got just a brief glimpse, with no passable photos. It just kept partly hidden making focus for a photo too difficult for me. I did see the rich orangish color of the breast and the blurred streakiness of the flank stripes, as well as hearing the song.
The other two birds I saw were in my opinion a Saltmarsh Sparrow and a likely hybrid. Here are the photos with my discussion of fieldmarks.

In addition to the sparrows I had good looks at Least Tern, Snowy and Great Egret, Arctic Tern, Glossy Ibis, and of course Red-winged Blackbird. Here are a few photos for fun.

A WIllet in flight. Note the very wide white wing stripe, so this is the Eastern subspecies of Willet.

There were a lot of Glossy Ibis flying around today.

Here is another ibis landing.

Poor internet at the hotel tonight, so signing off. Until next time, good birding. Steem on!

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