For a day that the weather forecasters said would be “Sunny” this morning sure didn’t start off that way. In fact, for the first hour or more the light was very wishy-washy. The clouds were thick to the east and blocking the sun. But… when the sun finally did start to shine one bird made the bad light earlier worth it.
Perched Lark Sparrow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
This is the closest I have been to a Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus) to date and this was a very cooperative bird too! I had seen my FOY (first of year) Lark Sparrow last week and hoped that this year I’d be able to get closer and better images of the species. Got it!
Lark Sparrows have bold harlequin facial patterns, a single dark breast spot (not visible here) and a long dark tail with white corners making them amongst the easiest sparrows to identify. Lark Sparrows breed here in Utah in sage flats and grasslands, they spend their winters in the southern U. S. to southwest Mexico.
I think they are handsome sparrows. Perhaps my luck in photographing them is changing.
Mia
I have many sparrows, most of them I cant identify but I especially love the little song sparrows and the black capped sparrows. We have come to look at them as pests but when you get the benocs and look closely they are quite beautiful and most have a pretty song.
Judy, I agree that sparrows are beautiful and that most have a pretty song. I hope to add more to my portfolio soon! Thanks for your comment.
Love this image. i’ve been living with some lark sparrows in the garden here and am totally enchanted with them. Especially their very sweet song.
Zephyr, Lark Sparrows are enchanting! Thanks.
Sparrows are one of my favorite groups of birds. The field marks are all visible on this good-looking bird. I really like the over the shoulder pose!
Thank you Julie, Lark Sparrows are great birds.
What a beauty. I still have trouble with some of my sparrow IDs, so I will file this one away for that day when I encounter a Lark Sparrow.
Ingrid, Lark Sparrows are lovely and I hope that you see one soon.
Great photo! Congrats on getting so close to this handsome sparrow!!
Thanks Tammy, they are handsome birds!
Beautiful Photograph
Thank you Stu!
A very handsome fellow, indeed. Great shot, Mia. One of my favorite sparrows.
Thanks Bob, you are very kind.
That’s a beautiful image, Mia.
Thank you Scott, they are beautiful birds.
That is such a beautiful bird. I’ve not seen them before now. I like the light too. Carol
Lark Sparrows are beautiful, love that head pattern. Thanks much for your comment Carol.
Wonderful Mia, the photo is so crisp and clear. Lark Sparrows are once of my favorites.
Thank you Susan.