Low light Savannah Sparrow – Canon R7, handheld, f9, 1/400, ISO 2000, Canon RF 100-500mm at 472mm, natural light
I spent a few minutes photographing this Savannah Sparrow in the shadow of my Jeep yesterday at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in east-central Oklahoma.
I had watched the sparrow make their way down a vine to ground level before I started taking photos. The vines were rather messy looking, and ground level views of the bird were a little less so.
Viewed larger, I can see my Jeep in the eye of the Savannah Sparrow, that is how close the bird was.
I do not see Savannah Sparrows here year round, so whenever I can, I try to have them in my viewfinder.
Savannah Sparrows are smaller and daintier than the White-crowned, White-throated, and Fox Sparrows I see in this area during the fall and winter, but I adore them just the same.
Despite how challenging they can be to photograph and identify, sparrows are a favorite of mine. I like challenges.
Yesterday while at the refuge, I found this spot where I could see more than 15 to 20 Savannah Sparrows at the same time. The leafless vines gave the sparrows cover when they needed it, and it was surrounded by grassy areas that this species prefers.
I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and photographing all the sparrows I found in that location.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Savannah Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
I’m always transfixed by sparrows. They often stay low and out of the limelight. But when you finally get to see them up close, they can be stunning. The Savannas around me all have very prominent yellow brows. It took me a long time to be confident IDing Savannas with subdued yellow. I learned to look at the whole bird. Your photo make all the details pop. A great shot, again!
I love this shot, too. The bird is speaking right to me and making me happy. Thanks, Mia.
The detail you captured is extraordinary! What a wonderful, balanced, shot. Thanks Mia.
A beautiful photo, the bird is so cute! 🥰
That is a beautiful shot!