This little guy provided evidence of the positive influence bird song can have on the human psyche.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
It’s unusual for me to photograph a songbird singing when there’s a stiff wind because they usually take cover in such conditions. But a few weeks ago at Bear River MBR this male (only adult males sing) Savannah Sparrow kept breaking out into the distinctive and persistent buzzy song of the species, despite the wind. Evidence I suppose of the power of gushing hormones.
Like most small birds in windy conditions he had his body turned into the wind to make it easier for him to stay on his perch. But here, when he turned his head to face the opposite direction, the wind blew his crown feathers up and gave him the appearance of having a crest.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But most of the time he faced forward and into the wind while singing.
I took these photos in early April when spring was still mostly a pipe dream around here so I found his singing unusually refreshing and delightful. His tenacity in difficult conditions only enhanced my enjoyment of his performance.
It’s funny how birds can do that for us, especially after a long cold winter.
Ron
Beautiful photos of one of my favorite LBJs.
When you look at them “up close and personal” like this, you see just how stunning they are!
What a joy to come across this tenacious little fellow singing his heart out. We’ve been enjoying the free concerts from our local avian orchestra (including the “chicken section” in our neighbor’s yard).
Thanks, Marty. If there’s a rooster, acting like roosters do at the crack of dawn. I wouldn’t be happy about it.
No roosters — but the chicky-chickies aren’t all that adept at telling time. At least they’re cute. 😉
We have a neighborhood Rooster but he’s a quarter mile away so don’t hear him in the house. NOW when the Magpies fledge it will be another story! One nest pretty near the bedrooms another further out that probably won’t be an issue…..;)
Half a world away I am smiling. And persistent buzzy song is the perfection description. Thank you and the songster.
Glad you enjoyed it, EC. Thanks.
“It’s funny how birds can do that for us, especially after a long cold winter.”
Even here in Southern California there is a renewal of song and Spring visitors. The relative quiet of winter is now alive with every bird chattering away in our yard. The Allen’s Hummingbird has reoccupied the nest from last year. The Hooded Orioles have returned and a female (or immature?) has taken to noisily confronting its image in the side view mirror of our car in the driveway. The Mourning Doves already have young.
It’s delightful.
Delightful indeed, Miichael. There were a lot of birds singing on Antelope Island this morning.
I imagine he was swaying back and forth on that twig, which makes this sharp picture most impressive, as well as showing what appear to be rather large feet compared to his overall size. I like the muted background to show him off. I’m not sure I could hear his song with my old ears, even on a still day.
Lyle, I don’t remember him swaying much so the twig must have been fairly stiff.
I like that background too. It reminds me of the fake backgrounds some photographers who profess to be “nature” photographers use to make their photos look better. But my background is real.
Cute little devil with an interesting song. 🙂 It does look like a totally different bird with the “crest”. Most critters, including me, are NOT a fan of the wind and hunker down when it’s wailing when possible…… 😉
Supposed to make 80 today – just what we DON’T need…… 🙁
Happy birthday!
Frances, if that “Happy Birthday” was meant for me I thank you but you’re four days early.
80 today? Didn’t you have a pretty good snowstorm just a few days ago? Sheesh.
Yes, we did – nice moisture getting picked up again…. “Up top” for various reasons a couple of times today watching the snow line rapidly crawl upward….. 🙁 “MT weather” for sure……
Not a fan of wind either Ron although here in Prescott high winds are a daily occurrence most of the spring and what has driven our 9000 acre Crook’s Fire for the past few weeks.
I have always liked Savannah Sparrows ever since I first learned what they were. Really neat shot with the wind giving him that crest. Thanks for the education regarding only males singing. Did not know that.
Feliz Cinco de Mayo to all.
Everett, I had to put with wind again this morning on Antelope Island. At least it kept those damn no-see-ums from coming out and doing their nasty bit.
Three cheers for this little guy, and all who have the courage and the heart to sing in swift headwinds!
And I’ll throw in a fourth cheer, Kate.
Nice demonstration. Yesterday I had a gnatcatcher blown up into a balloon shape by a tailwind. Miss seeing Savannahs so far here in Connecticut.
It’s funny how a single littte bird sticks in your mind, Kenneth. The first Savannah Sparrow I ever identified as to species was 14 years ago on a visit to the MT farm.
Looks like he’s really belting it out in that second photo. Tenacious indeed.
Mark, he was trying to “belt” as best he could but they don’t sing very loud.
OMGosh looks like two different birds! Must have been quite windy to create the crown effect.
It was, Kathleen. And I’m not a fan of wind. I had more than my share of it when I lived in MT.