Immature White-crowned Sparrows on a dreary winter day – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago there were plenty of White-crowned Sparrows in the same area where I photographed two Spotted Towhees. The mixture of immature and adult White-crowned Sparrows caused some tiffs when the adults showed their dominance over the younger birds. There were times when the younger sparrows would seek the shelter of nearby shrubs and trees to wait for their turn to feed.
Even though the morning and the light was dreary I wanted to focus on these young sparrows. White-crowned Sparrows are year round residents in northern Utah. During the heat of summer I only see them at higher elevations which is where they breed and nest.
Immature White-crowned Sparrow on a snowy day – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/640, ISO 1000, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was a thrill to listen to several of the adult White-crowned Sparrows sing off and on. I often hear this sparrow species sing during the winter although not as frequently as I do during the spring and summer.
I wanted to include a photo of this immature White-crowned Sparrow because I noticed that it has begun to molt some of its crown feathers. The crown of this young sparrow shows some black feathers mixed in with the brown stripe which is something I don’t usually see until around March or April. Click here to read a post I wrote about molting immature White-crowned Sparrows.
It snowed some over overnight and when I look out my window into the darkness this morning I can see that it is snowing still. I plan on heading out into the cold not long after dawn to see what birds I can find close to home. I love photographing birds when snow is falling!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my White-crowned Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Both pics are wonderful. As always, your composition, the colors and details you capture are extraordinary. Thanks Mia.
I love that first photo with the seeds…..so pretty! Hope you saw some birds in the fresh snow today. Your snow should arrive in CT on Friday ❄️❄️❄️
Such beautiful and hardy survivors. Thank you.
I love the photo with the sparrows amid the dark seeds and gray branches.
Lovely composition. I use to have white crowned sparrows in my yard but have not had a single bird for 4 years. I hope to get out in the snow today too.
Agree with Steven and Tim – beautiful, and lovely composition on the top photo. Good luck on your excursion today!
Beautiful!
So sharp! Love the composition, the way the seed color matches the sparrow colors. Very pretty. Frame-able. Thank you and we’re getting a big snow at the moment.