American Tree Sparrow – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited or called in
Last month I was able to take images of American Tree Sparrows on two different days in very different conditions in about the same location on Antelope Island State Park. The first day the conditions were deplorable because I had low light, blowing snow and foggy conditions but the second time I had them in my viewfinder I had very nice light, in fact the American Tree Sparrows and dried vegetation seemed to glow against the white of the snow and I was able to get a series of images that I found appealing.
American Tree Sparrows winter in Utah but they breed in scrubby thickets in willows and birch in Alaska and northern Canada. Sometimes they are mistaken for the smaller Chipping Sparrow but their slightly larger size, bicolored bill, rusty eye-line and dark central spot on the breast helps to differentiate between the two species.
Mia
The golden glow of the bush harmonizes well with sparrow’s colour. Well done!
Thanks Maria.
Very nice! I’m glad I’m not the only one who has trouble between American Tree Sparrows and Chipping Sparrows! 🙂
Thanks so much Beverly
Dear Mia, I just finished a painting of a tree sparrow…it’s hanging in a show as I write this. Since snowbird is an essential part of how people know me I was delighted to find this bird that winters here to use for my snow bird collection (junco etc.) But the tree sparrow is such a wonderful bird and such a delight to paint. Mine is in flight about to land on a branch. I am very thankful for your photo here to add to my impressions of a bird that means a lot to me. Many thanks.
I hope you will take a picture of your painting Merrill, I would love to see it!
Love the warm tone of the sparrow and the vegetation. The soft contrast of the snow really does add that “glow” you mentioned!
Thanks Wally!
That’s amazing Mia! A really sweet little picture. It’s good to have the info about ID,too – esp with sparrows!
Thank you Sally!
Nice little bird, cheers Mia.
Thanks Bob.
wow, very nice picture, the brown vegetation give a good presentation for this sparow,
well seen mia, have a nice sunday ☼
I hope you had a great Sunday Eric. Thanks for your comment.