Sparrows seem so ordinary to most people and I enjoy the challenge of trying to capture images of them in ways that make this drab little birds stand out. On a recent trip to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I observed some Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) foraging in the middle of a large, heavily vegetated field. Occasionally one of them would perch on the top of the vegetation and I managed to get some shots.
I like the way that these two images, which are quite different, work together as a pair. In the first one, a viewer’s eyes are immediately drawn to the colorful autumn leaves and only afterwards do they move up to the perched sparrow—there is a sense of energy because of the bright colors. In the second image, the solitary sparrow is the sole subject and the plain background and simple perch create an almost austere feeling—there is a feeling of serenity and simplicity.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Love these sparrows who are always a welcome return in Spring here. Nice backgrounds both and the singular portrait is so typical of them. Fine shots, Mike!
Sweet song.
Sweet, happy birds!
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
I love these little guys.
Wonderful sharpness on the birds and both are lovely scenes, Mike!
Thanks, Ellen. It is a challenge to focus on such a small subject, but at least the bird is not spooked by my presence when I am so far away.
Nice set of images Mike! The 2nd one is my favorite!
Thanks, Reed. I too am really drawn to the somber simplicity of that image.
What you write is completely correct. But there is something to be said for both photos … they are both beautiful Mike.
Thanks. I completely agree with you–they are both beautiful in different ways. That is why I chose to post both of them–we can have it all. 🙂
Wow! Both of these images are stunning. The colours and tones are massively appealing. I love the composition in both shots too. Sterling work, Mike.
Thanks, Laura. My mind switches back and forth from seeing things as a scientist and seeing them as an artist. I always welcome your perceptions as I work to develop the kind of artist’s eye that you possess.
That second shot is very good !!! Love the Bokeh
Thanks, Ted.
Love the yellow eye in the first one. That spot on the chest is a true give away!
Both images are lovely, Mike. I love in spring when one of these sparrows nest nearby, their song is a delight. Do they sing there in the winter or only when breeding, do you know?
I don’t know if they sing only during breeding season. I will have to listen to recordings of their singing to determine if I hear them during the winter–I must confess that there are only a few birds that I can identify by sound.
Wonderful photos! I love the second one especially. 😊
Thanks. There seems to be a general consensus that the second photo is the best one. 🙂
It’s so easy to take sparrows for granted, and it’s good to see you taking a step back to highlight them. We only have house sparrows here in New Zealand. They were introduced between 1866 and 1871 and are now, of course, practically everywhere and are considered a pest species. It’s really nice to see song sparrows again.
Thanks, Gary. I think that house sparrows are considered to be a pest here too. I think they were introduced into the US about the same time as in New Zealand. I see them all of the time in my neighborhood, but rarely see them in the wild. Right now, the most common sparrow species that I see is the White-throated Sparrow.