Field Songs #3: Grasshopper Sparrow

[Bill Dix]

I had hoped to include several other singing grassland birds in this series, but the Meadowlark, Bobolink, and the weather, have not cooperated so far. Maybe next week. In the meantime I dredged this up from last year's files. Unlike the Indigo Bunting and Field Sparrow, this little guy's song is so faint that you need to be very close to him to hear it, especially if there is any breeze or other ambient noise. Two faint high notes followed by a thin, high insect-like buzz. He stays hidden most of the time, except to pop up and proclaim his territory. This is a large crop, with corresponding reduction in IQ compared to previous two posts, but I liked the red clover in the BG.

D7000, 500f4 + 1.4 TC, ISO 1250, 1/500s @ f/7.1 manual, fill @ -1/7 EV. Audio.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Bill, I like the angled pose, and open beak from his song, and of course, Ive always liked these high placements on small thin perches. Im not sure if Im colour blind , but I see your flowers as 'purple/lilac' - not red. It doesnt matter, as they do add to the BG a lot.

I also feel the IQ has held up pretty well, if you say this is a large crop.

[Bill Dix]

Thanks Stu. Sorry, I should have capitalized Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) -- name of the species, despite its purple/lilac coloration. Nothing wrong with your eyes.

[Stu Bowie]

I should have capitalized Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) -- name of the species, despite its purple/lilac coloration. Nothing wrong with your eyes.

Phew!!!! I did have a long day as well.

[Steve Kaluski]

Gorgeous Bill, love the natural setting hear and the beak open, trilling away... sweet capture.

TFS
Steve

[keith mitchell]

Another lovely image Bill, those flowers really do add a nice touch to the bg,singing pose is icing on the cake.

Keith.

[dankearl]

I have enjoyed this series of yours a lot, Bill.
Nice pose and perch..
I might tone down the flowers a bit, they add a lot, but are bit bright for me.

[christopher galeski]

Loverly image,nice pose perch BG,nice details.TFS.

[Satish Ranadive]

Excellent image of singing sparrow. Superb composition. Beautiful colours and details.

Regards,
Satish.

[Geoffrey Montagu]

Beautiful capture of our old friend, Bill. Great singing pose and super detail. Lovely complimentary environment. Time to get back to this location.




Geoffrey

[Bill Dix]

Thank you all for your comments. With luck I'll add another singing grassland species before the season ends.