Savannah Sparrow Passercula sandwichensis
Panoche Valley, San Benito Co, California. January 2007

The Savannah Sparrow is a variable species with a very broad range. During the breeding season it is found in open habitats across Alaska and Canada south to the middle United States and in the west south to Mexico. In the tundra at the northern extent of the range, they are associated with dwarf willows and birches, while farther south they may be found in wet meadows, hay fields and pastures. Coastal populations (such as the distinctive “Belding’s” Savannah Sparrow of southern California) live in salt marshes or in dune grasses. Savannah Sparrows feed mainly on seeds found on the ground, but during the breeding season they take many insects, especially beetles. (Adapted from Cornell University: Savannah Sparrow.)

This photogenic individual was photographed in grassland in California’s Panoche Valley on a trip I made with oft name-checked mate Jack Cole.

 

 

 

All photographs © Charlie Moores