This Morning Outside

by Diane Porter

October 16, 2010
At Birdwatching Dot Com
Fairfield, Iowa

One of my favorite sparrows is the fox sparrow, which I see in Iowa only for a brief period in spring and fall. They do winter in eastern Iowa, but not in my neck of the woods.

The fox is a shy sparrow that often stays out of sight close to the ground in the woods. I feel thrilled and privileged when I get a glimpse of one before it disappears into the understory.

Photo copyright 2010 Michael and Diane Porter

It's said that the fox sparrow is named for the foxy red and grey of its plumage, which resembles a fox. But even beyond that it reminds me of a fox because of its wild and reclusive nature.

—Diane Porter

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