Yesterday morning as I stepped outside to go to work, I heard the sweet melody of a Song Sparrow. It's interesting how a particular book can facilitate a strong recollection, and immediately upon hearing the song I thought of Donald Kroodsma's The Singing Life of Birds and the chapter on Song Sparrows. Appreciated through experimental science (and a touch of speculation), the complexity in which these little sparrows learn songs, express and convey messages to their neighbors and intruders is nothing short of amazing. If you haven't yet read Kroodma's fascinating book on birdsong, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy.
Song Sparrow © 2008 Mike McDowell