I was serenaded by this Song Sparrow yesterday on the rut-filled road at Farmington Bay WMA. It might seem odd, but this bird reminded me of my youngest son.
Click the here to be serenaded by a Song Sparrow as you read this.
Song Sparrow starting to sing – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Huh? What?
Today is my youngest son’s birthday. I thought about Chris yesterday while I was in the field because of this Song Sparrow who sang for me in the marsh.
You see, even when Chris was really young, he loved to sing. He made up songs and sang them while he played; sometimes he even sang as he drifted off to sleep.
Perky Song Sparrow on a winter day – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Singing was, and still is, a large part of Chris’s nature, just as much as it is part of a Song Sparrow’s nature. Their songs just flow out when the mood comes over them. I’ve been fortunate because I’ve heard their songs.
As my son grew up, the songs he sang were songs I was familiar with. I could tell where Chris was in the house or yard because of his songs.
Song Sparrow singing in a marsh – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Chris sings simply because he loves singing. Now, I don’t know if Song Sparrows love singing, but I do know that I thoroughly enjoy hearing their songs. I hear these sparrows year round, but their songs are the most robust in late winter and early spring.
Side view of a singing Song Sparrow – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
So yes, I compared my son to a bird yesterday and thought about his birth, his childhood, and how he grew up. I’m very proud of him because he is a loving, caring person who loves to sing.
Happy Birthday, Chris. I love you sweetheart.
And it is a special date too – 02-24-2024
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
Just as good as Pavarotti and a thousand times better looking. The subtle colors and beautiful detail you captured is wonderful. Made my day. Thanks Mia.
Thanks for your posts; they’re part of our morning ritual.
Lovely photos and tribute to your son, Chris.
I was out the day before you, the pot holes could eat an entire car! They won’t grade it til the road closes at the dirt mound.
Gorgeous photos as always. I love hearing song sparrows. Happy Birthday, Chris!