For my tastes light doesn’t get much better than this.
I’ve posted several other photos of this sparrow in the past but this one is new to my blog.
1/2500, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
About four months ago I spent some quality time with this Song Sparrow perched on phragmites at Farmington Bay WMA. The sun had only recently come up over the nearby Wasatch Mountains to the east so the very warm light cast a golden hue on both bird and setting.
Readers know I’m a sucker for warm light. I don’t always like it – for example I think it rarely adds anything positive when the subject is a black bird but in most other situations I’m a huge fan. It’s a damn good thing I’m a morning person…
The assertive, almost in your face pose and direct eye contact suggest a cocky attitude that appeals to me.
At f/5.6 I didn’t have enough depth of field to get the tail sharp but in this situation that doesn’t bother me. I think it’s much more important that the rest of the bird and the phrag head are sharp. And they are.
Ron
Note: Just to be clear, the light and colors are natural. No color adjustments were made.
Excellent shot Ron!
Beautiful shot — the sparrow seems to be contemplating something important. Love all that warm light.
Thank you, Marty.
The sharp detail of the Sparrows eye and head and the detail of the phragmites contrast very nicely against the beautiful soft background. The background is perfected by the warm light. Very nicely done!!
Thanks very much, Steve.
It is a lovely rich bourbon amber. And the sparrow’s pose, well he is king of his mountain.
Now I know why I love warm light, April. I like anything with bourbon in it…
Hear! Hear! *hic!* 😉
Ron, is it wrong that I saw Maple Bourbon Chicken?
(I’m rolling laughing right now) 🙂
Seriously though, this is the best capture of a Song Sparrow I have ever seen and it made me fall in love with this little singer. So Great!
Simply gorgeous. I love the light and the feathered charmer. I am also a morning person. There is no light here yet and wont be for a couple of hours which probably would be the best time to photograph me.
EC, I might be able to do it if I buy that new camera! 🙂 It’s supposed to handle low light very well.
And I thought I was safe in the dark. It is nearly light now – but not golden.
Thanks for this lovely portrait of a song sparrow. I agree warm light is beautiful as is the phrag! I’m so happy that these little guys have finally shown up around here again (Massachusetts) and they are singing their hearts out!
They’re starting to sing more around here too, Joanne.
Love it!
Thanks, Jean.
Happy to see the attention given to this little bird. The colors of its feather are really pretty. The perfect tiny face priceless and spindle-like legs. Thanks
Agreed, Linda. They deserve more attention than they get.
Lovely light and expressive body posture “make” this photo.
Thank you, Nancy.
Absolutely the most beautiful rendition I have ever seen of this species that also occurs here in western Washington and apparently all across the country. Of course I am referring to the Phragmites. The Song Sparrow is a very nice addition😜
I actually agree, Lyle. That phrag head couldn’t look better.
Beautiful,, Ron! I love the warm tones- can almost hear him singing!
Thank you, Diane. I enjoy their song too – their species name “melodia” is perfect for them.
Love this look! Certainly is a perky looking bird. I agree about black birds in the morning light…the two are not as compatible as others are. Same with evening…I got some great poses but the photos didn’t ring that bell for me. The red wings are back in full force…one day none…the next day it was invasion time. Same with the starlings…they are around all year but only seem to invade the feeders when the red wings arrive…strange. The Grackles should arrive any day…then we shall have the full force of the three rascals at the feeders!
The “three rascals” indeed. Of the three I have the least fondness for starlings. Thanks, Kathy.
Love it Ron. I’m a morning person too. Up no later than 5:30 am every morning. Of course some of that comes with age. Very warm light and very warm photo. I too like that I’ve got this under control look. When first looking at the photo my eye was drawn to his eye and expression and the phragmite and never even noticed the tail feathers.
Thanks, Everett. I think morning is the best time of day. For me it isn’t even a horse race.
Absolutely GORGEOUS! 🙂 Light/colors couldn’t be more perfect for the sparrow who certainly gave you a nice pose…. 😉
Thanks, Judy. I’m glad you like it.