Identification help

I caught this guy yesterday sitting on the dam of a lake. His behavior was pure "wren" right down to the tail bobbing. But, I'm not too sure it actually is a wren. I can't get a good match in any of my books. Perhaps it's a cactus wren, or even a thrush. Anyone have a good guess? -Kurt Horsley

Attached Image:

Kurt, it appears that the low sun angle has made the bird more red than neutral light would have done. It makes ID a bit more difficult. If I were to guess, I'd say it is a Water Pipit.

Kurt Horsley said:

I caught this guy yesterday sitting on the dam of a lake. His behavior was pure "wren" right down to the tail bobbing. But, I'm not too sure it actually is a wren. I can't get a good match in any of my books. Perhaps it's a cactus wren, or even a thrush. Anyone have a good guess? -Kurt Horsley

Most definitely a Pipit. Not sure if they are called Water Pipits or American Pipits now, but it's the same bird--and not one you see all that often. Very nice image!

Jeff