Savannah Sparrow In A Breeze

I’ve been seeing and hearing Savannah Sparrows for weeks now. Yesterday, I had this Savannah Sparrow in my viewfinder at Sequoyah NWR in Oklahoma.

Spring Savannah Sparrow in a breeze – Canon R7, handheld, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 1600, Canon EF 100-400mm II at 400mm, natural light

The Savannah Sparrows have been especially skittish, so I was happy to have this one stick to its perch for a bit. Not only did it stay put, it even sang a little too. I adore hearing Savannah Sparrows.

There was a slight breeze when I photographed this little songster—just enough to ruffle their feathers, which I found rather endearing.

You might notice that this particular Savannah Sparrow doesn’t have yellow lores. While some yellow in the lores can help identify Savannah Sparrows, not all of them show that feature.

I’m very confident in my ID, though, because I can rely on other key traits to recognize this species—including their unmistakable song.

Savannah Sparrows don’t breed in Arkansas, or in Oklahoma except for the far northwestern part of the panhandle. The Savannahs I see at the refuge are simply passing through on their way to their breeding grounds.

I’m glad that I’ve been able to photograph Savannah Sparrows in Utah, Montana, Idaho, Texas, and Oklahoma. I have to say, I’m always delighted to have this sparrow species in my viewfinder—no matter where I am.

Life is good.

Mia

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