Lincoln looks up

[Nikhil Patwardhan]

Cape May, NJ, Nov 2014
Nikon D7000 w/ Nikon 300mm f/2.8 ED-IF AF (non VR, non AF-S), ISO 640 f/5.6 1/350s

There is a small loop near the Cape May hawkwatch, Google Maps says "South Cape May Meadows", where this Lincoln's Sparrow was feeding right at the entrance next to the parking lot. It was very co-operative and was only about 12 feet away, feeding for a long time close to sunset. I'm not entirely sure if this sparrow was looking out for danger in this particular moment or just gazing up at something that caught it's attention; the picture conveys a sense of being wary to me, especially for sparrows.

[Daniel Cadieux]

Good species to photograph, one I haven't in a few years now. Artistically I am not sure about the head angle, but for showing the wary behaviour it is fine. A few bright strands of grass near or touching the subject are a bit of a distraction, they should be easy to get rid of if that is within your personal processing ethics. Nice to have a cooperative subject right at the parking lot!