Savannah Sparrow perched in the marsh at Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’ve been hearing more Savannah Sparrows than usual at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge this spring. I hope that means their numbers are increasing. That would be good news and after hearing such bad news about decreasing bird populations it could also give me hope. Of course, their numbers might only be increasing locally and not throughout their entire range. Whatever the cause, I am glad to hear their songs when I drive around the refuge.
Now, some of you may wonder why this Savannah Sparrow has a crest because that identification feature isn’t mentioned in any field guides for this species. They actually don’t have crests but this one looks like it does because the wind was strong the day I took this photo and blew some of the bird’s crown feathers up which made it look like a crest. The wind was actually making my lens hood howl that morning. That isn’t a sound I like and I sure don’t like how the wind affects my eyes.
I have Sjogren’s Syndrome which causes my eyes to be much drier than a normal person’s eyes and wind blowing across them irritates them horribly.
Adult Savannah Sparrow singing in the marsh of Bear River MBR – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’m also allergic to my own tears and they burn my skin. When the wind irritates my eyes and the tears that form due to it touch my skin it burns. It is like a sunburn but caused by my own tears. The effect of this is worse when I can’t wash the tears off of my skin soon enough which I usually can’t do when I am way out in the field. A few recent events have caused my eyelids to feel as if they were sunburned for about a week so I am going to have to make some changes to maintain my eye health. My sight is critical to do what I do and because of that I need to protect my eyes.
Listening to this Savannah Sparrow sing over the wind was still a treat for me. Their songs bring me joy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Savannah Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Nice images Mia. Sorry to read about your allergy. Hopefully it won’t get any worse.
I am so sorry to read about your eyes and your tears. I hope you can find some relief.
And thank you for this subtle charmer.
I wear shooting goggles when it’s windy. They’re clear and wrap around. A bonus is they cost less than twenty bucks (last time I purchased some). I’ve tried other clear goggles, and, for me, these have worked the best.
Best image of a Savannah Sparrow I’ve seen (top). Perhaps a good wide-brimmed hat can help protect the eyes. Hope so!
Capturing the yellow around the eye beautifully.
Thanks.
I love Savannah Sparrows. I knew a place I could be sure of finding them here in Niagara. The the last 2 years have been hit & miss. Poor you with the tears! Woodworking goggles? I received 3 posts today so I’m guessing 2 are the ones missed. Great!