Returned to a local grassland to have another go at these guys. This one could be heard whisper-singing all around me, hidden in the grass. Seemed like he was almost within arms reach, and wasn't even deterred when several birders stopped by to chat. I had picked out a lovely Aster stem for him but he refused to perch on it. (It was very windy; maybe the perch was too fragile.) Finally he popped up behind me on this perch. Amazingly, he continued to sing as I relocated, made a tripod adjustment, moved in closer and shifted to avoid oof grasses. Interesting thing about this species -- even when they look like they're singing their hearts out, and you're right next to them, you can hardly hear them. Shot at WB-Auto. I believe the coloration accurately reflects the filtered late afternoon sun.
D7000, 700mm, ISO 800, 1/1000s @ f/7.1 manual, fill @ -1.7 EV.
Nice image and story, Bill. The pose and perch are excellent, and so is the background. We have one in our conservation area, and I'm encouraged by your work to try to photograph it.
Bill Sir,
Spectacular singing pose you have captured here. Very nice pose, beautiful colors, details, nice BG and perch.
Superb composition. Wish leaf in RLC was not there.
Great one, Bill. Love the calling pose with the tongue showing. Like this perch, though it wasn't your first choice. IQ is excellent with afternoon light. BG and framing perfect.
Grasshopper Sparrow
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