Young Lark Sparrow on a jackleg fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday while I was up in the mountains savoring the cool air I photographed a couple of birds on an old wooden jackleg fence that I had parked close to. The first bird I saw on the fence was an American Robin but I didn’t get photos of it.
The second bird that showed up on the jackleg fence was this young Lark Sparrow. I’ve only seen one other Lark Sparrow up in the same area and it was also a young bird. After yesterday I started wondering if young Lark Sparrows disperse from their nesting grounds and move to higher elevations like some other young birds do. I’ll try to research that some other time.
Green-tailed Towhee on a jackleg fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The last bird I photographed on the jackleg fence was an adult Green-tailed Towhee which I see often in this location. I had moved my Jeep slightly to get a better angle on the fence and I think it paid off. I like how the out of focus wooden fence in the background reminds me of the Iron Throne in the Game of Thrones. Strangely enough I have never watched Game of Thrones. I have only seen the throne in trailers for the series. Having a sparrow species on a wooden throne is appealing to me for some reason. Maybe it is because sparrows are sometimes the neglected underdogs of the bird world.
What is a jackleg fence?
A jackleg fence is a rustic fence constructed with wooden posts attached to form Xs and a top rail resting where they cross, or rails nailed on either side. They are also called jack leg and buck and rail fences with those terms used interchangeably. Since my move back to the western U.S. I have become fond of these fences especially when they are weathered and I have a bird or animal on them.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Lark Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species. Click here to view more of my Green-tailed Towhee photos plus facts and information about this species.
The detail you captured in the sparrow pic is wonderful. Thanks Mia.
Lovely photos – and fence. Thanks for the explanation.
Nice photos. I love that fence. I have never seen a lark sparrow in the area. I see those mostly in the hills along the west desert. Maybe the east mountains are dry enough they moved in?