Adult White-crowned Sparrow feeding on Greasewood seeds, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahAdult White-crowned Sparrow feeding on Greasewood seeds – Nikon D500, f11, 1/400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Back in October I was able to take photos of an adult White-crowned Sparrow that was munching on the seeds of a greasewood that was so close to the road that I could only take portraits of it with my bird gear. I appreciate being able to take close ups of birds because they can show fine details in their faces that usually aren’t seen as well in full body photos.

When I look at this White-crowned Sparrow portrait I can count the orbital feathers of the bottom portion of the bird’s eye and the rictal bristles near the bill. I can see the separation of the individual feathers on its breast plus I can make out fine details in the greasewood seed. I’m glad this sparrow was close enough to take portraits of it.

Greasewoods are an important food source for birds and small mammals here in Utah. In the spring and early summer when the leaves are green they can make for great perches for my avian subjects whereas at other times of the year their light colored twigs and branches can be so bright that they can be distracting. I grumble about that at times but I am easy to please when it comes to birds and will photograph them no matter where they are.

Yesterday was rainy and so is this morning and I am itching to get back out into the field to photograph and visit with birds but it looks like Sunday might be the earliest I will be able to get back out there.

Life is good.

Mia

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