Fig. b. A close-up view of a segment of the shoreline. Note the spacing of the clumps of cord-grass (Spartina alterniflora). A six inch ruler propped against a 12 inch stick is included to indicate the size and spacing of the plants.
PLATE 3
Fig. a. The inner portion of the marsh on the Lavallette study island showing the rows of marsh-elder bushes (Iva frutescens) and the extensive areas of black grass (Juncus gerardi). Areas of mixed black grass and cord-grass appear in the foreground. All the nests of Sharp-tailed Sparrows were found in the areas of black grass. Four of the eight nests of Seaside Sparrows were in the marsh-elder. One of the blinds that I used is shown in this photograph.
Fig. b. A mated, banded pair of Seaside Sparrows in a dead marsh-elder bush near their nest. Note the abdomen of a moth protruding from the bill of the female on the right.
PLATE 4
Fig. a. A female Sharp-tailed Sparrow at the entrance to her nest. The throat on this bird is dark because of dye applied by me.