Lark Sparrows returned to Antelope Island some time ago but until two days ago I haven’t been able to get any “clean” shots of them. I can partially blame the growth habits of sagebrush for that.
On the island I usually find these sparrows perched on sage and in the spring its bare, spiky vertical stems from last year generally make for an unattractive perch. When they land the sparrows usually settle down into them so they’re surrounded by bright white twigs that at least partially obscure the birds.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
But by now the soft gray-green sage leaves are filling in at the top of the plants and the sparrows perch higher on the sage which allows for a more attractive setting and a better view of the bird.
This one was singing on territory so even though sexes are similar it’s most likely a male. I like the nice light on the sparrow, the singing pose, the detail and sharpness of the bird and the nonchalant way he’s resting his left foot on top of the twig. The color of the background may or may not appeal to viewers but I think it’s complementary to the sparrow.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
He didn’t give me a lot of pose variety until he roused. Rousing is a vigorous activity that shakes the feathers at great speed so even a shutter speed of 1/4000 second couldn’t prevent some motion blur in his wing primaries but in this situation I think that softness implies motion appropriately.
I’ve said it before – I just love the distinctly marked harlequin face of the Lark Sparrow.
Ron
The first shot makes me think of a lounge singer crooning away with one hand resting on the piano.
Works for me. Works well, actually…
I do love the lbjs. They so often pay dividends for a closer look. And rousing birds are always a win.
I am heading out the door shortly and this is a delightful start to my day. Thanks Ron.
I like rousing birds too, EC. Fast shutter speeds often show some interesting (and amusing) feather positions.
Just beautiful! I love both shots, and boy do I miss the sage, too!
Recovering from the third BIG update in as many days. Jeesh! Enough is enough! But in this case, Windows 10 IS broke. DARGH!
Thank you, Laura.
I feel your pain Laura. My PC is having hissy fits. Which causes me to follow suit.
My best PC vibes go to both of you — my FIL is having a tough time with his Windows updates too.
I told you!!! These electronic things HATE us!!! They’ll do anything to frustrate, embarrass, inconvenience us, or make us look stupid!!!
I don’t need electronic things to help me do that — I’m very capable of making myself look stupid all on my own! 😉
They have a pretty song. Nice pictures Ron!
They sure do, Jean. Thanks.
Love these LBJ photos. The brown background is perfect for these birds in these pics, methinks! Thanks for sharing once again.
Thank you, Joanne.
Beautiful. I do like the background color and am curious to know what it is – is is rocks?
Susan, that background is mostly cheat grass. This time of year cheat grass seed heads are that color.
Beautiful! The background and sage suit it perfectly in my opinion……:) They do have wonderful facial marking for sure. I hadn’t previously noted that they have a fairly thick beak…….
Judy, It’s interesting that their beak can vary in color from neutral gray to black.
Love that first shot! Lark sparrows are such beautiful little birds, but I have a tough time identifying them from al the other LBJ’s…
Patty, they’re pretty easy to ID with that distinctive facial pattern and both sexes look the same. You have to get fairly close though…
Very nice photos Ron. Sparrows are the hardest bird for me to correctly identify. Sibley’s lists 38 different sparrows. I will often send a photo to our local bird expert saying is this a Rufous so and so sparrow and he will come back with no – it’s a chipping sparrow.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
I’m not good with sparrow ID either, Everett. I know most of the common ones around here but I need help with some of the others.
Wonderful shots Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Beautiful! And what a face! I do really like that background…I agree that it is very complimentary; what is it…the ground level or rocks but it seems too monotone for that. What ever it is makes a great canvas for this bird!
Kathy, that background is mostly cheat grass. This time of year cheat grass seed heads are that color.