I believe I made it to Arkansas just in time to photograph this migrating White-throated Sparrow. These sparrows spend the winter here but will soon head north.
White-throated Sparrow adult in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
White-throated Sparrows breed from the Yukon and Northwest Territories in Canada, south to Minnesota and Pennsylvania, and east to New England and Newfoundland. I used to have them in my garden when I lived in Virginia all winter long.
When I photographed this White-throated Sparrow two days ago, there were at least three of them in my friend Steve Creek’s Arkansas garden. It was very cool and windy that day, and some of the sparrows were hunkered down to avoid the wind. When the wind let up a bit, the sparrows fed in the garden, in the mulch, and in the grasses nearby.
These sparrows are beautiful and I truly enjoyed having this species in my viewfinder again.
White-throated Sparrow adult close up in spring – Nikon D500, f8, 1/200, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday, I didn’t see any White-throated Sparrows in Steve’s garden, but I did spend the morning with Steve and Rosie at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, and we had a blast. More about that later though!
The White-throated Sparrows may have headed north after that windstorm. I am just delighted I was able to get such lovely photos of this individual bird. If the sparrows haven’t left yet, maybe I will be able to have them in my viewfinder before they really leave for their breeding season.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see my White-throated Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
A charming sparrow! The second shot is making me giggle because I can only imagine that the sparrow is saying to itself, “Whatcha doooin?” while peering at you and your camera. 😂
Pretty bird, the first shot is very nice. I have see them a couple of times here in Northern Utah.
Welcome back, they are one of the last of our winter birds to leave. Still have a yard full of them, but the Chipping Sparrows are back, and the Goldfinches are getting they summer plumage.
A very handsome bird. Especially from the front
What a great shot that first photo is with the White-throated Sparrow looking up so you definitely can see its white throat. I’m looking forward to seeing the birds you photograph in Arkansas.