Juvenile White-crowned Sparrow –Â Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 800, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 335mm, natural light
This was a “grab shot” I took a few days ago while on the causeway when leaving Antelope Island State Park. Quite often White-crowned Sparrows can be seen foraging in the grasses, rabbitbrush and sagebrush that grow along the edge of the road. I really liked how the frost had encased the tips of the dried flower heads and made them look like white blossoms beneath and behind this juvenile White-crowned Sparrow.
I spent most of that morning photographing a hunting Coyote along the causeway so I was pleased to find a few cooperative birds on the way home.
Mia
A wonderfully executed image, as usual. The frost really makes this extra special. BTW, I photographed my first juvenile White-crowned Sparrow in Utah, at Matheson Preserve in Moab during a break in my October landscape workshop.
Julie, I hope you are able to come back to Utah to get more birds images, the Coyotes too!
Wonderful shot Mia, Happy New Year!
dan
Thanks Dan, Happy New Year to you too! Wishing us all plenty of birds in 2012.
Gorgeous photo, Mia. Like a painting, the colors go so well together and your composition is right on the money. I love it. It’s funny how them spur of the moment grab shots can turn out like an image that you may have worked hours getting. But that is what you saw in the viewfinder, and if it works out that way it all balances out. 🙂
Bob, I just love it when a grab shot works out great. A bit of bird photography serendipity!
Very nice photo Mia. Wishing you the best birding in 2012!
Thanks Prairie Birder, I’m wishing you the best birding in 2012 too!