Song Sparrow singing on the marsh – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Three days ago I was at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge hoping to get some frame filling photos of the Tundra Swans that migrate through Utah and stop at the refuge to rest and refuel. Before I even got to where the swans were I stopped and took photos of Red-winged Blackbirds and a Song Sparrow singing in the marsh.
I had nice morning light and angled my Jeep so the distant, snowy Promontory Mountains were in the background when I photographed this Song Sparrow singing. Song Sparrows are year round residents here in northern Utah and over the past month or so I have been hearing them singing more regularly and have been seeing them perched up high on rushes, phrags and other vegetation.
The songs of these sparrows always delight me. I stopped and just listened to this Song Sparrow before I even began to photograph it.
Tundra Swans and the Promontory Mountains – Nikon D810, f11, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 48mm, natural light
I didn’t have much luck at all with the Tundra Swans because they were too far from the road but I did take a few long distance photos of them with the Promontory Mountains in the background. The ice is coming off of the water, I can see some signs of spring growth and I know it won’t be long before the swans head north to their breeding grounds.
My window of opportunity for photographing the swans may soon close but I am happy that I have some birds like Song Sparrows here year round to see through my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Both pics are terrific! The shot of the Promontory Mountains is really gorgeous. Thanks Mia.
Heard a story today about a male Song Sparrow who out-stud-muffined a squirrel for a snack. Had a smile then and do again, as I see your shot and go to listen to the song link.
Beautiful photos, I love the panorama view of the refuge. I am lucky I have song sparrows in my yard year round. The males are singing up a storm already.
Thank you for the song link. It is well before sparrow fart (let alone song) here and I loved it.
And the scene!!!
I do hope the Tundra Swans are more co-operative before they move on, but thoroughly enjoyed this ‘long’ shot. thank you.
Beautiful photo Mia