Chipping Sparrow: Kennebunk, Maine, USA, April 2026 — a poem.

4/4

First Chipping Sparrow of spring

today at the feeders. Some of the

Song Sparrows never left, and

flocks are back by now, but the

Chippers will not be here in force

for another week or so. This one

is obviously a scout or a pioneer,

out ahead of the wave, sent out,

or out because that is where he

wants to be, not worried by his

loneliness. Maybe he is even

a pair…I have only seen the one

so far, and I would not be able

to tell if I am seeing one, or only

one at a time. Whatever. It is

good to see the Chippers back.

Sony a6700. Sigma 16-300 Contemporary at about 600mm equivalent field of view crop. Program with birds and wildlife medications. Processed in Photomator.