Immature White-crowned Sparrow Close UpImmature White-crowned Sparrow Close Up – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Getting close up images of wild birds is always a thrill for me and having this immature White-crowned Sparrow come in close enough for portrait was a pleasure on the last day of November on Antelope Island State Park.

I was photographing other sparrows that were further away using a vehicle as a mobile blind when I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye and when I turned my head towards the movement I could see that this first winter White-crowned Sparrow had flown in and was feeding on the fluffy seeds of the snow-topped rabbitbrush. The young sparrow was so close that I quickly reach the button on my lens to turn off the limiter so that I could focus on the bird. I was able to take three images of this young bird before it flew off, two that were sharp portraits and one was a blur taken just as the sparrow lifted off. I really like how the fluffy seed of the rabbitbrush is on the bill of this young sparrow, it almost looks like a snow-white mustache!

I always feel a sense of awe when I can see and photograph a wild bird up close and I also feel honored that just for a moment they allow me to be a part of their world.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.