Young Song Sparrow On A Bright Summer Morning

Young Song Sparrow on a bright summer morning – Nikon D810, f9, 1/400, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Last month I had a brief photo session with a young Song Sparrow near a creek in bright morning light high in the Wasatch Mountains. I haven’t seen nearly as many young Song Sparrows as I normally have by this time of the year. That may mean they nested in different areas this year because of the exceptional drought conditions we have been having. I’m not sure what is going on with them or why I have seen so few young of this species but I do hope they have had a successful breeding season.

This immature Song Sparrow was by itself and had been foraging in the willow thicket when it popped out into view on a clear, relatively smokeless morning.

Young Song Sparrow perched on an old willow branch – Nikon D810, f9, 1/320, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I enjoyed having this young sparrow in my viewfinder even though it was for less than a minute. I had been photographing a Belted Kingfisher that had flown in close to where I sat in my Jeep when a Northern Waterthrush appeared below it. After seeing that rare bird I paid close attention to the smaller birds moving around in the willows because I wanted to be prepared if another uncommon bird showed up.

I wasn’t disappointed at all when this beautiful, young Song Sparrow made an appearance because I adore these little brown birds.

Life is good.

Mia

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