I often enjoy the little dramas in the lives of birds just as much as I do the bigger ones.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this Lark Sparrow twelve days ago on Antelope Island. The sexes of the species are similar but since only females construct nests I presume the bird to be a female. At first she was perched in some bushes but she hopped down and began to scurry around on the ground. I figured she was after insects or seeds (this time of year they eat both) but it turned out that her intent was to gather nesting material.
Here she has approached the long twig directly in front of her for evaluation.
Note: I’ve cropped many of these images unconventionally in order to include as much of the long twig as possible.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
She reached down and picked up one end of it…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and tried to drag it in the direction of some of the thickest part of the tangled mass of vegetation surrounding her (I have no idea where her nest actually was).
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But she struggled in her efforts because the trailing end of the twig apparently became hung up in the vegetation.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
So she stopped to think about it for a moment and then decided to try a different approach.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
She grabbed the twig near the middle of its length, picked it up,…
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and then turned again in the direction she wanted to go. At this point she apparently realized that there was no way the long twig was going through that tangled mess…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
so she dropped it and went on her way. Here the twig is still falling to the ground.
As I was processing these images I couldn’t help putting myself in her place and thinking about how difficult it would be to maneuver nesting material without the use of my hands, using only my mouth instead. They do it hundreds of times with each nest they build and the following year they have to start all over again.
Just one more reason that the life of birds isn’t an easy one.
Ron
I love the small dramas best. So much is to be discovered in the details. Thank you so much for your amazing ability to see and capture these moments.
Simply amazing behavorial shots Ron! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lark Sparrows are such beauties, this series of photos does make me appreciate their struggles, as well as their perseverance.
‘IF I can get this one to the nest there is one less trip. Possibly two. And it fits really well with the other pieces I have chosen…’
That works for me, EC!
I’m surprised she chose such a long twig…seems like it would be to long to incorporate into her nest…The whole thing makes me think of a Wallenda trying to traverse through a heavily wooded forest on his high wire while carrying his balancing pole in his mouth….
I enjoyed this series of photos. My favorite is the first one. Little bird with big ideas.
Thank you, Carol.
Wouldn’t that be “…trying to BIRDHANDLE nesting material”? It looks like that beautiful little lady is thinking and decision-making…something we don’t always give them credit for–writing it all off to “instinct” (I don’t buy it, only finding it OK up to a point) . I agree with Mark, Rocky and Judy. Sparrow Woman is an interesting combination of optimist, realist and weightlifter– definitely a hard worker. A nice, nice series…and inspiring. Maybe I won’t give up on trying to excavate and organize this room after all!!!
Patty, I actually very seriously considered using “birdhandle” instead of manhandle when I was composing my post!
Good luck on your room…
I would have confidently bet the farm that you did consider that title…
I’m with you Patty, but after all, what is instinct but perfect intelligence installed at the factory? I see birds and critters solve problems all the time…no surprise to me. And I’d guess it’s not surprise to many of us here. I’d also wager that she chose another, similar, twig in an easier-to-handle location 😉
And yes, Ron, it would have shocked me had you not considered using birdhandle.
I am partial to these grand looking sparrows. The harlequin facial pattern is eye appealing and it seems to always look well groomed. Beside the superb photos you have given us an interesting story to go along. Thanks for your welcomed morning ritual of communing with the birds.
I agree about the harlequin facial pattern, Mark. It’s unique in the birds I see. Thank you.
It is interesting to see any animal think through the issue they are dealing with. Birds are definitely creative. This one was obviously a realist, too. Fun series,
I’m pretty sure this bird was thinking on some level, Susan. It was fun to watch.
It is a struggle for the birds to build nests without hands and they sure do a good job of it! 🙂 She was probably hoping to save a later trip! 🙂 Beautiful shots!
“She was probably hoping to save a later trip”
I was kind of wondering why she didn’t try to fly with that twig, Judy. Maybe the nest was very close…
Thank you for sharing these photos Ron and for sharing your insights on this industrious female nest builder.
A lark sparrow would be considered a rarity in southeastern Pennsylvania where I live so it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to view this beautiful bird through your photography.
I’m glad you enjoy Lark Sparrows, Linda. With that interesting face they’re striking little sparrows.