I birded Governor Bridge Natural Area for several hours this morning and had a nice assortment of birds.  However, most notable was a fascinating Fox Sparrow found with a large mixed group flock (Cardinals, Titmice, Chickadees, dozens of White-throated Sparrows, Jays, "Red" Fox Sparrow, woodpeckers, etc).  The flock, including the Fox Sparrow, was working the ground and low tangles in the shrubby area a few hundred feet beyond the old pavilion.  The bird in question was in the low shrubs and tangles, slightly higher than a group of White-throated Sparrows foraging very low in the vegetation and on the ground.  I got fairly extended views of the Fox Sparrow, albeit slightly obstructed at times due to the vegetation. The bird immediately seemed "off" for our usual "Red"Fox Sparrows.  First and foremost, the bird had NO gray on the head or face.  The head was a deep chocolate brown, completely lacking the reddish and gray patterning on the face/head of a "Red" Fox Sparrow.  The streaking coming down the flanks was also a medium brown.  Unfortunately, I did not see the bird from behind nor see the top of the tail, but what I did see of the flanks and the lower edge of the mantle was a medium brown, lacking any obvious reddish hue.  I viewed the bird from a few dozen feet for approximately one minute before I lost it in the moving, foraging flock.  

Shortly after I saw the Fox Sparrow ssp., I also saw an obvious "Red" Fox Sparrow and the differences between the two birds was striking.   Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the bird or detailed notes beyond my observations here.  However, I know that a lot of folks bird Governor Bridge Natural Area, and the bird may be worth looking for.  After looking at several of my sparrow references, I became more convinced that this bird is worth documenting and I will probably go back there this afternoon or first thing tomorrow to try to get some photos or more detailed notes.  I've seen several subspecies of Fox Sparrows out west, and this bird seemed to most fit the "Sooty" Fox Sparrow group.  Also, I believe that there was an unusual subspecies of Fox Sparrow seen in New England recently (with a lot of subsequent discussion regarding subspecies), and I may try to do a little more research on what was noted about that bird. 

When I came up this flock, I was in the scrubby regenerating area a few hundred feet behind the old, slightly overgrown pavilion.  This area is about a half mile from the parking area, on the trail running directly from the parking area, but in the opposite direction from the boat launch.  The trail runs up a heavily wooded hill.  At the top of the hill is the pavilion.  If you continue along the path, you come to the scrubby area.  I frequently get Fox Sparrows here and had 5 "Red" Fox Sparrows a few weeks back.

Good birding, and I'll post if I get any additional details/photos on this bird.

Fred Shaffer

Crofton, Anne Arundel