Song Sparrow in molt – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
August is a time of the year when I often see messy, molting birds here in northern Utah. Some are the young of the year and some are adults, all of them look a tiny bit wrung out and raggedy.
Kind of like some of us who haven’t had a haircut since early March because of the global pandemic? Unless of course you have a friend or loved one who is handy with clippers and scissors or are skilled with them yourself.
Today I could have shared lovely photos of a two immature Western Tanagers I photographed yesterday but I decided to share images of this molting Song Sparrow.
Why? Because I can and because I feel that I should in order to show my feathered subjects in all the stages of their lives.
Molting Song Sparrow – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Birds, like people, aren’t always sleek and beautiful and some of the birds I find in my viewfinder this time of the year look a mess. I feel that these molting birds are not only worthy of photographing they are also worthy of highlighting here on my site.
It is highly likely that this Song Sparrow probably reared young this summer and that can take a toll on these birds.
This Song Sparrow will replace its damaged feathers quickly and will look like it normally does once again. Until then, I still think it is a beautiful, albeit somewhat ruffled, bird.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Even all messy…they are still beautiful. Great pics Mia. Thanks.
I never, ever look as sleek and simply beautiful as many of the birds you share, so I am grateful for this scruffy charmer.
Yes, indeed!
Yep, life is messy!
Poor little scruffy thing. Whenever I see a bird in molt, my “mothering” instincts go into overdrive.
Thanks for an interesting post. Yes I’m getting pretty shaggy too, in spite of a few trims by my wife.