Immature White-crowned Sparrow Close Up – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Getting close up images of wild birds is always a thrill for me and having this immature White-crowned Sparrow come in close enough for portrait was a pleasure on the last day of November on Antelope Island State Park.
I was photographing other sparrows that were further away using a vehicle as a mobile blind when I caught some movement out of the corner of my eye. When I turned my head towards the movement I could see that this first winter White-crowned Sparrow had flown in and was feeding on the fluffy seeds of the snow-topped rabbitbrush.
The young sparrow was so close that I quickly reach the button on my lens to turn off the limiter so that I could focus on the bird.
I was able to take three images of this young bird before it flew off, two that were sharp portraits and one was a blur taken just as the sparrow lifted off.
I really like how the fluffy seed of the rabbitbrush is on the bill of this young sparrow, it almost looks like a snow-white mustache!
Each and every time, I always feel a sense of awe when I can see and photograph a wild bird up close and I also feel honored that just for a moment they allow me to be a part of their world.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
I love this photo, such an exquisite little guy. Love the detail around the eyes & the fluff from the seed in his beak. Beautiful, thank you for sharing your wonderful work, I always look forward to each days email with photo.
Another beauty! Keep up the good work Mia, I am enjoying your images immensely!
Thank you for sharing the privilege.
Love it! The catch-light, pose, and sharpness of details is amazing.
Oh, my…..just beautiful.
I love these portraits…always see details I didn’t know existed. I would not have recognized it as a white-crowned without that bright, white stripe this one has yet to aquire…I find identifying sparrows tricky at the best of times.
Beautiful photo Mia.