In this case, I was photographing something else. long forgotten, when this sweet White-throated sparrow hopped out in front of me and began to forage. 
I sometimes hold my breath when this happens, thinking maybe he hasn't seen me yet. But then I'm clicking away and have to laugh at myself. Of course he sees AND hears me! Sweet, that's what it is. A sweet bird in a sweet moment.These images were taken in mid April in Tennessee before this sparrow returned to his northern breeding grounds. I get to look forward to his visit again next winter.
Look at all that beautiful dappling on his chest, the yellow eye-brows, the head stripe and that rich collection of browns in his wings and back. I enjoy the brilliantly colored birds, as much as anyone. But the subtle beauty of birds wearing neutrals can often be breath-taking.
Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #47 at Birdfreak.com to promote the conservation of our world's birds. To see more great bird images click the link.
I think we do underrate the less flashy birds, but you're right - the sparrows can be sweet, indeed. Delightful series of photos.
ReplyDeleteYup, I know where your coming from.
ReplyDeleteHappen-chance is what makes birding so much fun - you think it's been a bust of a day, and it's all done, and then something uncommon comes along - or something common does something uncommon, or just unexpected, and you've had a great day of birding - even if you're only out for 5 minutes. Love the WTSP
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite birds...I was very happy to hear one singing in upstate New York this weekend. I miss them all summer.
ReplyDeleteNice pics!
wonderful photos.
ReplyDeletedan
I always look forward to spring in NC at my sisters. Lots of White throated sparrows! I think they are beautious! snd there song always welcoming..
ReplyDeleteI was looking at your photos..and wanted to click on them..i could click on a few but not all.
I was trying to figure out what it had in its bill..
in one photo..I think a worm..not sure
and the other is it a moth?
just wondering..
Nice photos!
Hey..like that u are so good at twitter now!
Beautiful photos. You've captured their gentle and sweet nature. White-throated Sparrows are among my favorites. Their spring song alone wins my heart! :-)
ReplyDeleteWow, Vickie, you indeed were lucky to have these cuties. We also had a similar experience last winter - we were looking at Oak Titmice when suddenly a White-throated Sparrow appeared.
ReplyDeleteHe's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWe have hundreds (maybe more) sparrows living in our yard. They start their morning songs around 4am and don't stop until long after the sun sets. Happy little things! :)
Vickie, the sparrow photographs are precious. We have these little visitors during the winter months. Love the one with worm in it's mouth. Thank you for sharing with all, your lovely work~
ReplyDeleteOh, that is a pretty bird! Now I wonder if White-throated sparrows have visited my yard. I might have thought they were White-crowned sparrows. I'm going to pay more attention to visiting sparrows in the winter. I love this post. :)
ReplyDelete