The Eastern Meadowlarks were nearby, but this was a good bit smaller, with a much smaller & shorter bill, no yellow on the chest, no black mark like a Meadowlark's, totally different appearance.  

1st winter Dickcissel is a possibility (though the lateral stripe, which I mistook for a mustachial stripe, seemed thicker).

--
Frank Powers 
Glen Echo, MD 
Montgomery County

-------------- Original message -------------- 

> "...It was sparrow-like, with 2 yellow lores, complete eye-ring (which 
> seemed yellow), black mustachial stripe, white throat, thick, dark streaking 
> on flanks, chest, large head (and wi beak, seemed 'cone-shaped,' not typical 
> sparrow beak), crown was weakly striped, sometimes seeming 'greenish' when 
> the wind would blow, dark streaking on back (no rufous that I could see). 
> It never moved far from us, kind of 'crouching' down, then scurrying 
> ahead..." 
> 
> 
> Frank, 
> 
> You didnt mention that you ruled out Eastern Meadlowlark. I know that this 
> bird is larger then a sparrow, but you discription is right on for that 
> species. I suppose that Dickcissel is a close call to. However, last week 
> when I was there I saw/heard many Meadowlark in the area of Graceham Rd... 
> 
> -Chris Starling 
> North East, MD 
> 
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