Common NameSavannah Sparrow (Ipswich subspecies)
Scientific NamePasserculus sandwichensis princeps
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation11/27/2025
Media
Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameLachlan Ziegler
Mailing Address182 N Champlain st #2
Burlington, VT 05401
United States
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed12/12/2025
Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Place NameDelta Park
TownshipColchester
CountyChittenden
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day09:00 AM
Length of Time Observed15 minutes
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)20
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)15
Optical Equipment Used for Observation

8x42 binoculars
20-60x 88 scope
Panasonic Lumix FZ-300 camera

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

Very familiar with Savannah Sparrow, first experience observing this subspecies anywhere.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Bulrush/ cattail wetland edge on sandy beach of Lake Chaplain

Behaviors Observed

Flushed from ground up onto cattails, eventually returning to the ground to feed on grass/ sedge seeds

Description of Vocalizations

Call notes seemingly matching Savannah Sparrow (Ipswich) 04/03/2010 example on allaboutbirds.org

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

I observed a pale medium-large sparrow immediate impression this bird gave was Savannah or Song sparrow. Quickly recognizing the chip call as Savannah, and shortly after acknowledging field marks of Savannah including a quite washed but visible yellowish supraloral, shorter tail, and fine crisp streaking on underside.

Relative Size & Shape

medium sparrow with shorter tail

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Song Sparrow: eliminated by call notes alone
Savanna Sparrow (Savannah): eliminated by lack of bolder darker markings overall, especially streaking on underside, and lacking obvious yellow supraloral.

Other Notes & Comments

Audio file of call attached.

This report was written from notes taken:Written from Memory