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, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahSong 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, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahPerky 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, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahSong 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, Farmington Bay WMA, Davis County, UtahSide 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.