True to its name, the Song Sparrow pours out its melody all through spring and summer. It has been the most persistent songster in our Illinois yard before, during and even after most of the land around us was developed. Yet I have obtained relatively few good photos of this species, as they generally stay hidden and do not let me get too close.
This Song Sparrow conveniently took a perch on a rock next to our condo.
as I waited for just any bird to appear.
They prefer prairies with some shrubs, and the edges of woodlands, so most of my photo opportunities have been at nearby forests and grasslands, such as the prairie at Nelson Lake/Dick Young Forest Preserve.
The Song Sparrow's plumage varies from grayish to warm reddish brown.
This particularly bright Song Sparrow was at nearby Jones Meadow Park in North Aurora.
While their calls and songs are distinctive, the Song Sparrow's long expressive tail with a rounded tip helps distinguish it from some similar but smaller relatives such as the Savannah and Lincoln's Sparrows. Perhaps the most cooperative subject I've seen was this one on barbed wire at Hawk's Bluff Park near our daughter's home in Batavia.
It finally tired of posing.
a perfect little beauty! had i not already drawn one, i'd have asked permission to use one of your photos as inspiration. :)
ReplyDeleteAs always, I learned from this post; have never been sure how to tell this sparrow. I'll remember to check for that rounded tail.
ReplyDeleteHe's so pretty in that one photo especially, just singing his heart out. And very nice taking off from his prickly perch!
Hi Ken Well this beautiful little bird posed well for you. some grat shots and information. Now all I need is to hear it sing!
ReplyDeleteLove that 1st barbed wire shot. And the photos of the birds singing are fabulous. I don't think I've ever been able to get an image of a bird singing. Really nice capture, Ken.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of a favourite!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of photos! I love the singing shots!
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots of this beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteI love these little birds! Great series!
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