Low light Fox Sparrow in snow – Canon R7, handheld, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 1000, +2.0 EV, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light
Conditions this morning are similar to when I photographed this Fox Sparrow last year in my friend Steve Creek’s yard during a snow storm last January.
There are several inches of snow on the ground from Winter Storm Fern; there are thick clouds overhead, and it is bitter cold. The temp as I write this is 11°F, and it may drop before it warms up a little bit today. It might make it to 22°F later on.
Yesterday I had hoped to get out to photograph birds in the falling snow, but the lighting conditions were simply awful. I’ve got my fingers crossed that the light today will be a bit better.
Through my window I can see that the birds are already looking for me to put some food out even though it is still mostly dark outside.
Maybe I’ll even get to see and photograph another Fox Sparrow today although I haven’t seen any yet this winter. Storms like Fern can bring birds into feeders though so I will expect the unexpected. Which is part of my nature.
I know that I’ll have opportunities with Northern Cardinals, Common Grackles, Dark-eyed Juncos, Northern Mockingbirds, Downy Woodpeckers, and White-throated Sparrows. That is IF the light cooperates.
Last January’s storm helped me by allowing me to take photos of birds that had been nemesis species for me. Who knows, maybe Winter Storm Fern will give me a gift today too.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my Fox Sparrow photo gallery plus facts and information about this species.
Great to meet a fox sparrow for the first time. Thank you.-Jeri
It amazes me how small birds can manage the cold in the coldest of winter ❄️