The Song Sparrow

Usually when I'm out on a hike I don't get too close to the wildlife. Not that I wouldn't like to but I'm not trying to be especially quiet, I'm just looking for the cool shots and enjoying the time out. My equipment is not that good for any really long range shots so wildlife photos are just bonus.Birds seem to be especially tricky- they let you sneak up on them and just as you're about to "capture the moment" they flit off just out of range(or sight).
Fortunately for me, this one was a little over confident about it's camouflage and sat still long enough for me to get a couple of decent shots.
This, by the way, is a Song Sparrow. By my count there are roughly forty three different types of sparrows inhabiting southwest Missouri at one time or another of the year. And I thought that a sparrow was just a sparrow!
Everyday that I get out in the woods I learn something new and that's just one more reason to be out there. I doubt that I'll ever become an ornithologist but I can certainly see why people do. You can find out more about the Song Sparrow and just about any other bird you can think of at http://www.allaboutbirds.org/- it's a great site for the bird lover in all of us.