Small (about 5" in length) Field Sparrows are found throughout the eastern half of the U.S. -- nesting in the northern part of that range -- where they prefer open, grassland habitats with some trees. They avoid -- and will not nest near -- human settlements, although some, like this one, may visit during migration. They are uncommon in the NYC/LI area. Field Sparrows are threatened by habitat loss, particularly the expansion of suburbs (such as we are seeing with the last gasps of the Hempstead Plains on L.I.). This little bird was persistently foraging in a limited area of Grant Park, my local sports park, on 3/31. No idea what the Sparrow is chomping on in the second picture. They usually feed on very small seeds and insects.

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Teal, female.

The smallest ducks found in the UK. Widespread in the winter but quite shy. Teals are mostly flying to their breeding grounds now, although some may stick around.

RSPB Leighton Moss. March 2026.

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