Adult White-crowned Sparrow in a Hackberry tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed this adult White-crowned Sparrow about two weeks ago in northern Utah while it perched on a hackberry tree on a hill with blooming rabbitbrush in the background. The sparrow was some distance away from me and normally I wouldn’t have taken a photo of it but I really liked how the yellow out of focus rabbitbrush blooms broke up the blue sky behind the hackberry tree and the bird. The leaves of the hackberry were just beginning to start turning to their autumn colors and the berries added just a touch of red to the frame.
I’d really prefer to have the sparrow larger in the frame but in this case I like it small because it shows more of the leaves, fruits and some of the habitat I find these sparrows in.
It is wonderful to see the White-ground Sparrows at lower elevations again and to listen to them singing from the tops of trees and shrubs. Their songs sound a little different to my ears during this time of the year compared to early spring when they are getting ready to go into breeding season. Both male and female White-crowned Sparrows sing but the females sing less loudly and their songs are more variable.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Note: This is an Interior West White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) which is also sometimes called the Mountain White-crowned Sparrow.
I like your composition as it not only shows the habitat but the arrangement is so pleasing to the eye.
Wonderful shot, Mia! Love the composition with the smaller subject and the colorful surround. Adding in your link to the songs, and I feel like I’m right there. Delightful! 😄
This is lovely. Thank you.
This is a great image for me in the East, because it shows beautifully the difference between what I usually see as a White-crowned here in VT and what you all see in the West. Field Guides show it as an artist/illustrator sees it, photographs, in my opinion, show the difference at the time the picture was taken, more realistic. Some characteristics can be real tough to see in the field, but once you have a picture to look at or study, what a difference! With this species/subspecies look at the bill color, the supraloral (just forward of the eye and in back of the bill) area and the extent of gray.
Many thanks for sharing.
Yes, beautiful background. Nice shot.
What a great photo! I love the composition. The sky is so vivid. The photo makes me feel like I am right beside you seeing what you see. Your editorial makes it all the more precious because I cannot get out into nature and your sharing these views are very much appreciated.
Love your observations about the song variations fall to spring. And the comment on overall composition. Your inspiring me to try to take up the camera!