Gene,
   I agree with the others that numerous species can exhibit this behavior.  Most recently I saw this from a Nelson's Sparrow on the dike at Hurlock WWTP where there was a dense mat of crabgrass.  All I can add is to stay with it.  It may or may not be something great.

>
> From: "Eugene J. Scarpulla" <>
> Date: 2004/10/17 Sun PM 12:35:32 EDT
> To: 
> Subject: [MDOSPREY] Sparrow Behavior Question
>
> I address this question to those of you who are regular sparrow watchers.
>
> Although I spend the majority of my time observing waterbirds at Hart-Miller
> Island, sparrows of various species are routinely encountered during the
> weekly surveys.  The usual behavior for sparrows when flushed from the grass
> is to head for the closest shrub, bush, or elevated plant and then to perch
> in the open or to disappear from view.
>
> Yesterday (10/16/04) while walking through the recently mowed warm-season
> grasses and forbs surrounding the new South Cell impoundment, I encountered
> a different behavior.  At approximately 0845, I was walking  through the
> 12-inch high stubble when a sparrow flushed up approximately 8 feet in front
> of me.  It flushed up about 18 inches above the ground and then landed again
> about 24 inches away from where it flushed up.  When it landed, it began
> running away with its head and tail down, scurrying and weaving between the
> stubble.  If I had not seen the bird in flight, I would have thought that I
> might be seeing a mouse.  I attempted to keep the bird in view, but it ran
> away too quickly.  I criss-crossed the stubble in the vicinity for 45
> minutes but never relocated the bird.
>
> I am aware that this behavior occurs in certain sparrow species that occur
> in Maryland .  My question is which Maryland sparrow species are known for
> this behavior?  Thanks.
>
> Gene
>
> Gene Scarpulla
> Millers Island, Maryland
> 
>

Bob Ringler
Eldersburg MD