Sometimes the setting almost frames the bird for you.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this juvenile White-crowned Sparrow three days ago at Farmington. I like the detail and light on the bird, the seasonal fall colors in the background and the pose. And I really enjoy the way the rusty wire partially frames the bird.
Yes, the wire is barbed and that likely won’t appeal to some. In some cases barbed wire can have devastating effects on wildlife as I’ve recently documented and we’ve discussed on this blog. But many songbirds love to perch on these wire fences as it provides them an elevated platform from which to watch for predators and hunt insects and that must give them a survival advantage. The Loggerhead Shrike is an example of a bird that is highly adapted to barbed wire – not only do they regularly perch on and hunt from the wire but they also habitually impale their prey on the barbs so that they can get enough leverage to tear it apart and consume it. Like most things, barbed wire isn’t all bad.
That said, I sure wish the wire didn’t have to be barbed to be effective in controlling livestock.
Ron
Love this picture. One of my favorite Sparrows, and fun to photograph. The picture does looked framed, and the background color is pretty. Blends in with the Sparrow. We have seen the Loggerhead Shrike’s on top of Joshua Trees here. They can be spiky as well.
Woo Hoo. Patty has adopted the LBJ term. I love the sparrow, am in awe at those nails, and agree about the stylish framing. And also have very mixed feeling (mostly negative) about barbed wire.
I figured you might take notice of Patty’s use of the term, EC. Thank you.
Beautiful sparrow, beautiful photo! I’m always learning from you. It’s a joy. Thank you!!!
I appreciate the feedback about learning, Deborah. Thanks.
What a lovely shot Ron! I really agree with you.
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Ron, I as others do, like the barbed wire. And especially the use the shrikes make of it. Sure seems like the wire perch would provide natural coping for the birds nails, as noted they are very long. I never see juveniles here in southeast MI so thanks for identifying it. Beautiful bird, beautIful natural, 21st century, frame. Thank you.
Diana, The difference between juveniles and adults in this species is quite striking for a sparrow. Both are beautiful, IMO.
Ah, another great shot of a bird we look forward to in the spring and fall. We see it for a day or two as it moves through, but no longer then a week according to my records. Come spring the immatures or juveniles have turned to their adult plumage and are beautiful when they arrive.
I am sure to a shrike barbed wire is no different than small thorns on a shrub. So having a fence with many thorns that are available to impale their prey is very advantageous. Besides the negatives, animals will find ways to use human inventions in various unique ways to suit their needs. And, I agree in some instances it is quite comical, but in others it is not.
Dick, something I’ve noticed around here over the years is that I see far more juveniles than I do adults. Can’t quite explain it either…
I believe it is because the juveniles are learning and therefore their ability to navigate is in the early stages and they tend to move where ‘their DNA’ is telling them as well as the night stars. Whereas, adults have at least migrated twice if not more and they have programed the route they are going and where they are supposed to be.
Thanks, Dick. That makes sense. It’s probably something I should have asked you about long ago.
This is a lovely composition. I do like the rust of the wire and the rust on the bird.
Thanks very much, Arwen.
Wow, Ron – you’ve really captured a feeling of Fall in this photo. The sweet little sparrow, the background colors even the barbed wire make it look like Autumn!! I’m so glad to see it come – even in Florida the temps are FINALLY out of the ninety’s and even down to the mid 80’s with low humidity and 2 cold fronts due tonight and tomorrow. Oh Happy Day!! Now don’t get me wrong – I love Florida but summer came 2 months early this year. Oh and my FL Wildlife FB page said the Hawk counters at Curry Hammock State Park in Key West counted over 900 Peregrine Falcons migrating south so Fall is definitely here!!!
I’ve been following the numbers as those peregrines migrate through the keys, Jo Ann – amazing numbers.
Oops – sorry for the repeat – my computer did a hiccup & I thought I lost the post. Looks like Patty’s computer gremlin found my computer !!
WOW, Ron! You’ve captured the feel of Autumn in this photo. Such a lovely little bird, the background colors and yes, even the barbed wire adds to a feeling of Fall.
I agree, Jo Ann – this image really has the feeling of fall.
That is a llovely shot of one of my favorite LBJ’s…I usually see them mostly in the Winter, and rumor has it that Winter is on its way….Again! Already! Two things came to my attention– how long this little bird’s nails are (must not have been scratching around on hard surfaces) and the small,pointy, pink bill, so typical of seed eaters…Artistically, the wire frames the image in a very pleasing way, even the Devil’s wire….and I can see how it can present advantages for some birds…still HATE the damn stuff and would LOVE to see a world without it….Less cattle, too.
Thank you, Patty. Knowing how you feel about barbed wire I was particularly interested in your take on this image.
Beautiful! 🙂 The rusty barbed wire does frame the bird in a wonderful way enhancing the color of the bird and the foliage behind. We’re in cattle country so barbed wire is a fact of life even if problematic at times.
Thanks, Judy.