Adult White-crowned Sparrow in early morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When autumn arrives White-crowned Sparrows are one of the sparrow species that I look forward to photographing at Farmington Bay WMA each year as they move down to lower elevations. White-crowned Sparrows are year round residents in northern Utah but during their breeding season I don’t see them as often as I do the rest of the year so by the time fall makes an appearance I find myself anxious to have them in my viewfinder again.
At Farmington Bay WMA I find White-crowned Sparrows perched on phrags, cattails, rabbitbrush, fences, sunflowers, trees, roses, greasewood and sage in the marshes, near Glover Pond and next to the roads.
This adult White-crowned had been feeding on the seeds of phrags four days ago at Farmington Bay and still had a bit of fluff stuck to its bill. I like the out of focus insect flying over its head, the light and the head turn of the bird.
I’m very much looking forward to photographing all of the sparrow species I find in the valley at this time of the year. They might be just little brown birds but I find them enchanting.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
And this is why we shouldn’t care about whether something is “native” or introduced…because the animals are more flexible than humans, able to learn how to use these new plants.
Very attractive bird. I enjoy looking for them and the other sparrows, especially around the animal shelter. LBJs of several varieties have become more or less permanent residents and pilfer the dogs’ kibble. 😉
I am endlessly enchanted by the birds you show us – including the lbjs. Thank you.
Great shot, looking forward to the ones that visit us each Fall and late Spring on their way through. Just worried about the low species diversity observed this year in our area.
Thanks Dick.
I’m worried too, seeing fewer birds here than normal in some areas too.
I love the crisp colours of the White-crowned Sparrows. I have not seen any in the Niagara area in the last two years. At least in the places they used to be. Frustrating.
Liz, I hope you see some this year.