Locality seems the best guide to identification of this shy, rare bird. I have been sure of seeing them only three times in my life. They prefer beach grass areas near the ocean and run like mice instead of flushing.

A gray Song Sparrow on an ocean beach is quite likely to prove an IPSWICH. The only note I ever heard was a single chirp. The mystery of the nesting grounds was partly cleared when they were found breeding on Sable Island off Nova Scotia.