White-crowned Sparrow On Wild Rose

There’s a wild rose near a canal at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area that makes a nice perch for songbirds when you can find them there.

 

white crowned sparrow 0418 ron dudley

 1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

That’s where I photographed this juvenile White-crowned Sparrow a month ago.  I thought the linear perch suggested an extended horizontal crop.  Even though the sparrow had its back to me I liked the cocky pose.

 

 

white crowned sparrow 0430 ron dudley

  1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

The bird gave me some eye contact for a few moments and then it was off to do its own thing.  In 1772, in the first ever formal description of this species, J.R. Forster described the White-crowned Sparrow as an “elegant little species”.

Even in the juvenile plumage I’d have to enthusiastically agree.

Ron

15 Comments

  1. It seems that sparrows the world over are cheeky charmers. And the breed is instantly recognisable too.

  2. Elegant, indeed — especially on such an elegant perch!
    Happy Thanksgiving, Ron!

  3. Happy Thanksgiving , Ron–I give thanks for your very pleasurable work each day- and I’m glad the presence of your daughter will make your day even more special !

  4. Great shots Ron! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

  5. This is wonderful!!! The 7D in my opinion , in good light is amazing!!! Coupled with the wonderful lens and your skills, the 7D is unbeatable!!!

    • Thanks, Gena. Until a few weeks ago I’d have agreed with you about the 7D. I think it was the best overall (“overall” is the key word here) camera for birds for 5 years, bar none. But since the recent introduction of the 7D Mark 2 that game has changed, IMO.

  6. They are charmers. 🙂

  7. I’m with Susan on this one. Delightful encounter! Thanks.

  8. Great photos. I like the way the bird’s personality comes through, and the branch. It’s about time a bird chose a nice perch for you…

Comments are closed