Photographing a Song Sparrow eating a snail yesterday morning as it foraged in a creek in the Wasatch Mountains was a unique experience for me.
Song Sparrow adult foraging in a creek – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were several adult Song Sparrows near the creek and it was difficult to decide which one to focus on. I think I picked a sparrow that showed me some interesting behavior.
Song Sparrow with a snail in its bill – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This Song Sparrow hopped from one stone to another in the creek which is running low now. A few weeks ago I couldn’t have been able to see the stones in the creek because the water was running fast and high.
I saw the Song Sparrow pick something up from one of the stones in the creek and grasp it in its bill through my viewfinder.
At that moment I couldn’t make out what the sparrow had because I was completely focused on photographing the sparrow.
Adult Song Sparrow eating a snail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Song Sparrow turned its head and closed its bill. In this photo I can see a small bit of something protruding from the left side of the Song Sparrow’s bill.
When I viewed this photo and the one directly above it on my large screen at home I could see what I thought were snails on the rock to the right of the sparrow.
Even blown up I wasn’t 100% positive that what I was seeing were snails so I dug back through my photos and looked closely at the first image in this post.
Song Sparrow foraging in a creek – Snail in insert
And I could definitely make out the spiral in the snail’s shell that was right next to the foot of the Song Sparrow.
Adult Song Sparrow foraging in a shallow creek – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Once again I learned something new while photographing this sparrow in the field. Song Sparrows eat Escargot!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Escargot served chilled on the rocks. Obviously…a very sophisticated Sparrow. Great series. Thanks Mia.
Excellent images and comments! Many thanks – I didn’t have a clue about Song Sparrow and Escargot!
A sophisticated (and beautiful) song sparrow.
Outstanding sequence, Mia!
Cool observation, I did not know they would eat snails, I have watched dippers eat snails. Now to get the many song sparrows in my yard to work on the giant garden snails!
Snails provide a rich source of calcium and protein. Females definitely a source of calcium. Great sleuthing Mia!
Nice bit of research, and I love the cool freshness of the little high-country stream.