Singing Savannah Sparrow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Since early March I have been hearing the calls and songs of Savannah Sparrows at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and I have wanted to photograph them again. These small sparrows have a distinctive song that my ears can detect easily. Finding and photographing them is a more challenging than hearing them.
This singing adult Savannah Sparrow was photographed on the road that goes to the auto tour route five days ago and I took a nice series of photos of this bird.
I started hearing the Savannah Sparrows early in the morning and it became a challenge to myself to take photos of them that day.
In some locations I have been able to walk up to Savannah Sparrows and photograph them easily. That isn’t the case at Bear River MBR.
How I find Savannah Sparrows at Bear River MBR
- I listen for their calls and songs. During the spring season these sparrows can be heard frequently along the road to the auto tour route and on it.
- I drive slowly which makes it easier to find the Savannah Sparrows visually.
- I stop and wait alongside the road when I hear them singing and scan the area.
Photographing Savannah Sparrows at Bear River MBR
I know from experience that when Savannah Sparrows are singing they are usually near the top of whatever perch they have chosen to sing from. Knowing their behaviors can be a great help when finding and photographing this species.
On that topic, I am also aware that the Savannah Sparrows at the refuge aren’t likely to stick around long and will frequently dive for cover before I can get them in my viewfinder. I know that I have to get this sparrow species in my viewfinder as fast as I can, lock onto them, and start taking photos quickly when I locate one that is close enough to photograph.
If I don’t I may have missed my window of opportunity.
I adore listening to, seeing, and photographing Savannah Sparrows. I’m more than willing to make whatever changes I need to make to take high quality photos of them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Savannah Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
You know…this shot is deceptively simple, but the more I look at it, the more I realize that it is almost perfect in every respect. The composition, the muted background, the sparrow’s colors and, of course, the remarkable detail you captured…makes this pic extraordinary. Thanks Mia.
Aren’t they sweet little birds. I’ve never been able to get a photograph of one, but that’s okay.
I am glad that your experience, knowledge and persistence give you (and us) such delights.
I can hear them but as soon as I pull to a stop they dive for cover! I will try Sunday when I go out. I will try just sitting in the car after they dive and see if they will return.