Tag: Wildlife Photography

White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

First time photographing a ground-foraging White-throated Sparrow's.

A White-throated Sparrow graced my backyard with its presence. I think this is the first time I have photographed one. I could hear the clear whistles and repetitive phrases of the White-throated Sparrow's distinctive song.

The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a small bird belonging to the family Passerellidae. It is primarily found in North America, with its range extending from Canada to parts of the United States during breeding season, and migrating to southern regions in winter.

The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying differences in plumage colouration and patterns. The bird is a ground forager, feeding on the suet mixture of seeds, insects, and plant matter that had fallen from the bird feeder.

Using twigs, grass, and other plant materials they build nests in the thicket of shrubs and low vegetation that grow just beyond the fence. The species is adaptable and can thrive in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. White-throated Sparrows play a role in ecological balance by contributing to seed dispersal and insect control within their ecosystems.

Chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina)

While I wait for the migratory warblers to appear in southwestern and northwestern New Jersey, I’m enjoying some of the spring birds in my backyard.

It was midday and the sun was shining. After feeding Sir Alphonso Mango, I heated a slice of pepperoni pizza. I poured a can of Coca-Cola, watching as it cascaded over a glass half-filled with glistening crushed ice. I sat outdoors, able to hear and see birds fluttering in the nearby trees.

I recorded a few minutes of bird calls on the Merlin app, which indicated that some of the birds were Tufted Titmouse, Blue Jay, and Chipping Sparrow. I could now add the Chipping Sparrow to my life list, but I wanted a photograph. I popped inside to grab my X-T3 and XF150-600mmF5.6-8 R LM OIS WR.

As I bit into the salty fat of the pepperoni pizza, a Chipping Sparrow landed on a branch of the Sassafras tree near where I sat on the small deck. I balanced the familiar weight of the camera and lens in my hands, managing to get a photograph of the underbelly and the head, but I wanted something better.

My patience was rewarded at the end of my lunch break when a Chipping Sparrow landed on the dead tree stump next to the juniper. This time, I could see the earthy tones and subtle iridescence of its feathers.