fyi (I'm a book person so I pulled out my Audubon field guide to take a look because now I'm curious!) Knowing the geography as I do in your area, I'd say you have two options- The Song Sparrow is pretty much everywhere and this picture matches Audubon's for the most part. The write-up says markings are heavily streaked underparts with a large central spot on the breast (unseen from your angle). The bird pumps its tail when in flight and sings a rather lyrical three notes followed by a varied trill sometimes interpreted as "Madge-madge-madge-put on your tea kettle-ettle-ettle." It particularly likes thickets, pastures, undergrowth, gardens and city parks.
Your second option is the Vesper Sparrow. A grayish streaked sparrow with white outer tail feathers, white eye ring and a small patch of chestnut on the bend of the wing. Its song is a slow series of four, clear musical notes, the last two higher in pitch and ending in a descending series of trills sometimes rendered as "come-come-all-together-where-where-down-the-hill." It too likes fields, pastures, and roadsides in farming communities. Audubon's picture was almost the same as yours- especially in the markings on the breast and around the eye- which tends to make me think this is a Vesper Sparrow. If you see him/her again, listen for the song- that should help you identify him/her more accurately.
@olivetreeann I think you are correct. I’ll try to hear him sing next time. I love the Audubon society. I’ll have to invest in their field guide. Thanks Ann.
Your second option is the Vesper Sparrow. A grayish streaked sparrow with white outer tail feathers, white eye ring and a small patch of chestnut on the bend of the wing. Its song is a slow series of four, clear musical notes, the last two higher in pitch and ending in a descending series of trills sometimes rendered as "come-come-all-together-where-where-down-the-hill." It too likes fields, pastures, and roadsides in farming communities. Audubon's picture was almost the same as yours- especially in the markings on the breast and around the eye- which tends to make me think this is a Vesper Sparrow. If you see him/her again, listen for the song- that should help you identify him/her more accurately.