Spring American Tree Sparrow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The last time I wrote about American Tree Sparrows I said that they would be migrating soon and that I hoped I could take a few more photos of them before they migrated and I had that opportunity two days ago. I had been photographing nesting Black-billed Magpies when some movement in my peripheral vision caused me to look to my left where I saw this sparrow nearly hidden behind some dead sagebrush branches. I quickly moved my lens, focused on the sparrow and hoped that the bird would come out into the open.
While the American Tree Sparrow didn’t fully come out into the open it did move to a better location where I had a clear view of its face and body and that was good enough for me. I knew it might be my last chance to photograph an American Tree Sparrow this season and I jumped at it. These sparrows breed in the northern reaches of North America and will be winging their way to their breeding grounds and I am almost certain that some are already on their way.
During the late fall and throughout the winter I keep an eye out for these handsome sparrows that spend the winter here and though I will be sad to see them go I wish them a safe journey to their breeding grounds in Canada and Alaska.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my American Tree Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
To me, this image is deceptively complex. At first glance I saw a Tree Sparrow checking out his neighborhood; a simple and direct composition. But the more I looked at it, the more I began to appreciate the subtle colors and detail you captured. This is a really cool pic Mia, thanks.
Nice shot, looks similar to the plumage we see. We also have had Tree Sparrows every day all winter. We have had as many as 7 at one time, but probably more not seen. Expect them to leave soon.
We only see American Tree Sparrows in the winter and lots of them. I only saw one this winter and it did not stick around. Has to be climate change.
Lovely! I think paler, grayer than ours.