Because it is rarely seen in most of the Eastern U.S., I was unfamiliar with this species. But in the Rocky Mountains it resides in willow and alder thickets, the very habitat covering the lake edge just out of view to the right of this bird. I had no decent images of Lincoln's Sparrows prior to this encounter, so I was thrilled to capture this one.

Mainly because of the incomplete feathers composing its eye ring, I suspect this is a fledgling that has almost completely molted into its first adult plumage. It also seemed a little less proficient at hunting along the shore line than several of the other visitors.

Location: Glacier National Park, MT