Fluffed up and cold Song Sparrow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This morning I am sharing photos of a Song Sparrow I found yesterday morning high in the mountains where the temps were so low that frost had formed overnight. Spring comes later in the mountains of Utah than it does down in the Salt Lake Valley.
The lower temps high in the mountains don’t seem to affect the desire of the Song Sparrows I find there from starting their breeding season. I have already seen this species gathering and carrying nesting materials in several locations at higher elevations.
But first thing in the morning in the high country? It is still pretty cold. I even put a glove on my left hand to keep it warm yesterday.
Adult Song Sparrow on a cold spring morning – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love finding Song Sparrows out in the open in lovely, soft light. This sparrow perched on this frosty branch long enough for me to take a nice series of photos of it before it flew off.
My Fox Sparrow Disappointment
In addition to this Song Sparrow I found my first of year Fox Sparrow singing in a stand of trees. Fox Sparrows are a nemesis species for me. I have taken photos of them but they haven’t been of the best quality. I don’t see Fox Sparrows all that often. It gutted me that once again I didn’t get clear shots of the one that I found yesterday morning. I would sit all day in one spot to able to take the photos I want of Fox Sparrows. I will do that if that is what it takes to get the Fox Sparrow photos I have long desired to take.
My Fox Sparrow sighting yesterday wasn’t a complete loss though. I listened carefully to the sparrow’s song and have the notes tucked safely into my memory. In the future I will instantly recognize their songs when I head back up into the habitats they prefer.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice shots; as always the detail and composition of your pics is remarkable. Here’s hoping you find more of the elusive Fox Sparrows soon. Thanks Mia.
Fox sparrows are new to me. Thank you for the link – and I really hope that it loses its nemesis status. Soon.
Very nice photos and fun find of a fox sparrow! After this week in St George I will need some frosty mornings!
I’ll happily “settle” for these Song Sparrow shots while awaiting shots of your nemesis sparrow. Perhaps you will even get a relative of the singer in the link.