What are these?

[JayinMN]

I was walking around the Sax WMA tonight and got these two.

I know this is a wren, but is it a Marsh are a Sedge? I am leaning towards sedge because of the buff under its tail.

I am not sure if there is enough of this bird to identify it.

[Steve Foss]

I think you've got a juvie sedge wren, Jay. It's pretty much a dead ringer for the Sibley illustration.

I can't make the call on the sparrow.

[JayinMN]

Thanks Steve. I have an old Peterson's guide and it doesn't give any of the variations, like a juvenile. I think I need to get Sibley's someday. I figured it might be too hard on the sparrow, so many look so much a like.

[Steve Foss]

Jay, I think an experienced sparrow birder could do it based on what's there. The similar sparrow species have long been a weak spot of mine.

Sibley is the best around, and answers lots and lots of my own questions. Well worth the jing for a birder or avian photographer, IMO. And the Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior is an excellent companion guide. I believe they are the best one-two punch in birding guides. Great to put on the Christmas gift wish list, too.