Vesper Sparrow

On 9 September 2018m I checked out a local woodpile that often attracts migrating sparrows. I was a bit surprised to find two Vesper Sparrows, since I usually associate this species with open fields. This sparrow was once rare in the East, but became common as forests were cut. Now, as forests reclaim pastureland, Vesper Sparrow numbers are declining. Reclaimed prairie, however, does surround the woodpile. The white eye-ring, the white stripe surrounding most the ear-patch, and, especially, the white outer tail feathers all support my identification.