Springtime Vesper Sparrow Images

Adult Vesper Sparrow singing on sage – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning I heard my first Vesper Sparrow of spring singing high in the Wasatch Mountains. I was enchanted and thrilled at the same time. It took me a bit to locate the sparrow then I found it perched on sage by following the sound of its song. I was slightly disappointed that the Vesper Sparrow was fairly far away from the road. That didn’t last long.

Vesper Sparrow looking over its shoulder – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I soon heard another much closer Vesper Sparrow singing very close to where I sat in my Jeep and the distant sparrow flew over to join it. Both sparrows seemed to be foraging for food and singing while they looked for their breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever come across Vesper Sparrows as cooperative as these two were. As the two sparrows moved forward I was able to very quickly drive forward in my Jeep to keep up with them because I didn’t have to spend time pointing them out. I was able to get to where the birds were fast. I know that I can only photograph a bird IF I get to them.

Adult Vesper Sparrow perched on a leaning post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Time after time I moved when the sparrows moved without any hesitation. Because I was able to do that I photographed both Vesper Sparrows on many different perches and settings. I even liked the man made metal post this sparrow perched on briefly.

Vesper Sparrow adult in spring grasses – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I also loved the natural perches that both sparrows used too as well as the different poses I was able to capture them in. Even when I viewed them from the back.

Spring Vesper Sparrow singing close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

There were times when the pair of Vesper Sparrows landed close enough to me that I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able get them sharply in focus. I adored listening to them sing as they foraged in the grasses and perched on the sage.

Spring Vesper Sparrow perched on a small rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

When one of the Vesper Sparrows perched on a rock I could easily see its rufous lesser coverts that is one of the features that can be used to identify this species. The photo also shows the streaked back, streaked underparts and the white eye ring that can clinch the identification.

Note: I know that people struggle with sparrow identification and I get asked often for their ID’s. When I can add a few tips I try to include them.

Vesper Sparrow back view – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

And speaking of streaked backs I liked how this sparrow turned its head and looked towards my Jeep even though it had its back to me. I get views of the backs of this species quite often without the wonderful headturn so this was a treat.

Spring Vesper Sparrow up close – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Just when I thought the Vesper Sparrows wouldn’t get any closer to me this sparrow surprised me when it perched on a rock next to the shoulder of the dirt road.

Vesper Sparrow singing on sage in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The last series of photos that I took of the two Vesper Sparrows was of this sparrow singing while it perched on the branches of a sage. I hated to leave these two sparrows when I did because they were so cooperative.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Vesper Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.