Lincoln’s Sparrows are quite handsome in my opinion and I do wish that I saw them more often than I do, I’d need to spend more time in the high country of the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains to do that and that is something I wouldn’t mind at all during their breeding season.
Lincoln’s Sparrow perched on Fragrant Sumac – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Right now Lincoln’s Sparrows are moving to lower elevations and migrating south so I see more of them during the fall and early winter than any other time of the year here in Utah. Two days ago I saw a Lincoln’s Sparrow perched high up in a Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica) and even though it was fairly far away I couldn’t resist photographing it. It was still chilly so the bird was fluffed up plus the golden light of early morning seemed to make the small sparrow glow.
Preening Lincoln’s Sparrow on Fragrant Sumac – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I hope that the next time I see a Lincoln’s Sparrow that it will be closer to me than this one was so I can fill the frame, these sparrows are known for being skulky though so I won’t hold my breath!
The only times I have heard these birds singing was while I have traveled up to Montana and I must say they sound more like a wren than a sparrow. Have a listen here.
Life is good.
Mia
Add me to the list of those with a soft spot for lbjs. Love that call (and am grateful you included it).
Judging by the raised crown, that bird feels quite hansome, too. NICE!!!
Such a lovely bird. I have a soft spot for the “LBJs” because that’s who I see and hear most often (although I wish they’d stop pooping on the dogs at the shelter).
Thank you for sharing the recording too. I’m always fascinated by such lush recordings, especially when all the background birds can be fleshed out.
Birds are wonderful, even the little brown ones!