White-crowned Sparrow perched on a budding tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Spring migration is underway here in northern Utah and while I am excited about the prospect of photographing birds I haven’t seen since last fall I am still thrilled to photograph the birds I see here throughout most of the year.
White-crowned Sparrows are quite common in the Salt Lake Valley in the winter and I see them often at Antelope Island, Farmington Bay WMA, the West Desert and further north on the slopes of mountains.
During the summer I see them less often because most of these sparrows head up into the mountains to nest and breed so they are harder to find during their nesting season.
That is, unless I head up into the high country which is fine with me because I like to head up into the mountains during the heat of the summer because it is always slightly cooler up there.
Three days ago after I photographed the female American Kestrel eating her prey on a lichen-covered rock I was able to take a few photographs of a single adult White-crowned Sparrow that was perched on a budding tree.
I liked the eye contact I had with the White-crowned Sparrow, the opening buds on the Fragrant Sumac, and how well the sparrow stood out from the plain background. Sure, it is a little brown bird that people might overlook but I will photograph them every chance I get.
To me their subtle coloration is quite beautiful.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a drop-dead great pic! It’s all there…extraordinary detail, color and composition. I would tell you that I am speechless with wonder…but my wife says that’s impossible. Terrific shot Mia.Thanks.
I am a big fan of LBJs. Subtle and lovely.
Beautiful. I know photographers like it when the background is a different color than the main subject so their subject pops out more but I like it when the bird reflects the colors of it’s environment. Isn’t that what nature is about, camouflage.
That beautiful little bird and the bursting buds ALMOST make me believe this enfless winter is over!!!
Beautiful shot! I was delighted to see that white-crowned sparrows live here in Northern Arizona and are regulars at my feeding station. Their song is so beautiful and made my day when I lived in Dallas. However, I haven’t heard any of my local individuals singing yet? I wonder what’s up with that?
On the upside, I have cactus wrens nesting in the roof of the mews along with regular sparrows who have made a home above the mews’ window. All the mews nests are in safe places, at least until fledge. I’m working on a plan to keep fledglings safe from my dogs.
I love seeing LBJs through the eyes of a skilled photographer! I really like the composition of this shot.
Beautiful shot!