Song Sparrow, singing
Melospiza melodia
Song Sparrow · Prospect Park · 30 May 2026
A Song Sparrow singing from an exposed twig in Prospect Park at the end of May, one of the most persistent singers in the park through late spring. It breeds in the park's thickets and along the lake edge, and it returns to the same twig visit after visit, which is presumably how this one ended up posed so obligingly in the open.
The heavy central breast spot and the buzzy, three-part song - a few clear opening notes, then a trill - are about as reliable an identification as any sparrow offers.
Birds, insects, plants and other wildlife, mostly from Brooklyn, with some from further afield.
Every photograph comes with notes on what it is.
Selected
Favourite shots. Filter by subject, or .
Places
Everything, by where it was taken.
Species
Larger catalogue of photos organized by species of animal or plant.
Catalogue
Every photograph, newest first. Narrow it by period, place or species; the three work together.
Updates
Coming soon. Sign up at the bottom of the page for updates.