Adult Song Sparrow up close in a serviceberry – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know of a location high in the Wasatch Mountains where MacGillivray’s Warblers and Song Sparrows are nesting not too far from each other. The Song Sparrows have been fairly aggressive towards the warblers and any of the other birds that have gotten near their nest. The interactions between the sparrows and the other birds have been interesting to observe and I’ve learned more about the behaviors of the sparrows too.
There have been a few times that the Song Sparrows have gotten so close to me that I’ve felt as if I could almost reach out and touch them. Not that I would, just that I’ve felt that I could.
I was photographing other birds when this adult Song Sparrow landed in a serviceberry shrub in front of me, called and then the sparrow preened its feathers for a few seconds.
Adult Song Sparrow close up – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Then the Song Sparrow appeared to look directly towards my lens before it flew off in the direction of its nest. The sparrow was close enough that it may have seen its own reflection on the glass, I can’t be sure though.
It shouldn’t be long before the warbler and sparrow eggs hatch in those nests. Things could get interesting when the adults of both species start foraging for food to feed their hungry chicks.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Very cool pics. I love the detail you captured. Thanks Mia.
He seems to be checking you out in the 2nd shot — love it! And a belated Happy Nature Photography Day (June 15)! 🙂
Love this! Such nice close-ups. I really enjoy when I hear their song and can get up close, but sometimes they are so evasive!
I am always grateful when you focus (pun intended) on the lbjs. They have a subtle beauty which you capture extremely well.
Thank you.
It will be interesting to watch the fledglings.
Very cool, such a constant companion in our yard now. Thanks for sharing.