This morning while doing a bird survey on a CREP (Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) field, I happened across a Clay-colored Sparrow. Initially when I heard it, my mind leaped to the possibility of a Northern Mockingbird, but it was coming from the middle of a large field, not where I expect mockingbirds to be. I was able to quickly to get my bins on the sparrow because it was singing incessantly. After my survey was complete, I went back with my camera to get some photos. Although it was still singing frequently, the Clay-colored Sparrow was not cooperative when it came to sitting still in the open.
Unfortunately, the sparrow is singing from a spot that is way out on the far end of a field, deep in private property. I would have never heard it had I not been a quarter mile in from the road.