I was researching the origin of the Lincoln’s Sparrow name and discovered some early Audubon writings that read like journal entries. The writer describes the day she first encounters the bird. A beautiful early morning, the sun’s gentle rays awakening wildflowers. The melodious sounds of frogs nearby.
That’s when the sparrow with a call similar to a wren pops into her narrative. She excitedly describes following the little creature as it hopped from one bush to the next trying to evade their gaze. The very next sentence describes how her young companion with “unerring aim” took down the bird! So she named the bird after the boy who killed it. Not exactly the story I was expecting to hear from Audubon.
Square One Notes 
Adorable! Happy Election Day!
LikeLike
Thank you Nancy! Happy Election Day to you too! ❤️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes! Not the story I expected either! Lovely little bird though. Great photo of what looks to me like a bird of bright character!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Ashley! Sweet little bird with a pretty call. 😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bird watching was really different back in the 19th century. I read a great biography of Theodore Roosevelt who became quite good at bird taxidermy as a boy. I prefer “shooting” them with my camera and letting them live to sing another day.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow! Yes, very different! I am with you Chris.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fabulous shots, Sandra! I didn’t know how it was named, oh my…..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t that something Donna? Thank you so much for stopping by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a wonderful little sparrow you have there, Sandra! Fabulous shots!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much Pete! I’ve been observing this one for a while but it’s usually too fast for me. I was ready this time! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I am educated for sure, Sandra. Wow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wild, right Mark?Studying your subject to death was a real thing apparently! Glad we’ve moved away from that mindset in most circles.
LikeLike
Fantastic photo of the Lincoln’s Sparrow, and a quirky story. I’m so glad killing the birds isn’t cool anymore. Great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jet! Yes, I’m glad that birding has evolved into more of a conservation effort rather than the let’s-study-these-things-to-death approach that was once popular.
LikeLiked by 1 person