Immature Chipping Sparrow on a fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few days ago I was able to photograph an immature Chipping Sparrow that landed on a wire fence next to a dusty road in the Wasatch Mountains. The young sparrow was in good light and facing towards me. In the field I didn’t care much for the bright strands of the fence in the frame.
I was able to take seventeen photos of the immature Chipping Sparrow on the fence before it took flight, as I recall a bicyclist rode by and flushed the bird.
Immature Chipping Sparrow on a hawthorn branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Chipping Sparrow didn’t go far though. It landed on a branch at the base of some hawthorns and I was happy to photograph it on a natural perch.
After looking at both photos at home on a large screen I decided I didn’t mind the wire fence in the first photo at all. Birds land where they want to land and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Chipping Sparrows are only here in northern Utah for the breeding season except for the far southwest corner of the state where they can be seen year round. I’m always delighted to hear them sing in the spring and to hear their calls the rest of the time they are here.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Chipping Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love the contrasts and detail you captured; especially in the 2nd pic. Thanks Mia.
Such a sweet face!
Thanks for these pictures. I have a lot of chippers that come to my feeder and have been seeing little gray bird with them. They were smaller and duller than the adults. I was pretty sure they were the immature and your pictures confirm that!
Thank you for sharing the beauty that you see.
Thanks to you, Mia, another great start to my day. Excellent photography and narrative.
I don’t mind the fence, reminds me of my childhood. Birds seem to use them despite the nasty barbs.
Love the little chippers. We have them here in the Ozarks in the summer. Always hate to see them go, which they will soon.