Juvenile Song Sparrow on a stump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Earlier this week I shared an image of a young Song Sparrow that I had taken last year and I mentioned that I hadn’t taken any images of them out in the open yet this year, well the Universe must have read that post because it gifted me with several young Song Sparrows out in the open a few days later. I took these photos the same day I photographed the Spotted Sandpiper chicks that I shared here yesterday. In fact there were a few times I had both young Song Sparrows and Spotted Sandpiper chicks in the same frame but one or the other species was not in focus unfortunately!
This was the first of the Song Sparrow chicks I photographed two days ago in the Wasatch Mountains. When it landed on this stump I was pleased that I took a few images of it looking in my direction in the early morning light.
Immature Song Sparrow high in the Wasatch Mountain Range – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Later on in the morning another immature Song Sparrow popped up on a branch near the dry creek bed and it also looked in my direction. This young sparrow looked just a bit older than the one in the first photo and it may not be a sibling to it because there were several adult Song Sparrows nearby so there may be a few other families in the same area. I can’t be sure though.
Tailless immature Song Sparrow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This immature Song Sparrow showed up and right away I noticed that it was tailless. I never got views of its fluffy little butt where I could see anything more than a few short tail feathers that have begun to grow in. I am sure that it won’t be long before this young Song Sparrow has a tail once again.
I was glad to have so many immature Song Sparrows in my viewfinder that were out in the open on the ground and perched up higher.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
I got a kick out of the legs in the first image. I guess they don’t develop the spot on the breast until later? I wonder if it wasa a juvenile that I heard? Let’s just say it wasn’t a “fully developed ” song.
I especially like the third shot with the juvenile among the sprouts.
Neat, Great shots!
Yet another charmer. Even without a tail.
Wonderful shots and beautiful compositions. The contrasts you captured in the top pic are terrific. Thanks Mia.
Have you noticed the begging native juvenile sparrows all sound very similar? I have a hard time identifying by sound and often the juveniles are just striped grey puff balls. I have to wait till I see the parent.
Nice