>I came across a sparrow this afternoon that I can't identify

This is a gorgeous SWAMP SPARROW
Look at the overall dark quality of the bird
The slate gray /dark pewter color is distinctive. No warm tones in the gray 
and the black bracing on the back are lovely.
The long tarsus are clearly shown- good for wading in the water.
The side color of toasted marshmallow, hint of eye ring and white throat all 
are nice field marks.

Bonnie

Bonnie Ott
Howard County Field Trip Chair
Ellicott City, MD