This Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) was facing away from me when I first spotted it last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but I waited patiently for it to move its head and was rewarded with this profile pose. Of course, my challenge was to capture the moment, and I was happy that I was able to get an unobstructed shot of the little bird.
You have to be out there to have opportunities like this and a combination of skill and luck (and quick reactions) to get the shot. As I learned long ago when I was a Boy Scout, it is important to “Be Prepared.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love how the light and slightly ruffled feathers show off his color variation. Some people say sparrows all look alike and are dull but not so! Thank you.
Isn’t he pretty!Blue Rock HorsesFrederick County, Virginiabluerockhorses.com
I love the pose of the bird. The tension in that slight twist is really effective when combined with the diagonals in your composition. I also love seeing the ruffled texture in the feathers. I know it is something birds do in order to regulate their temperatures but I think the scruffy look adds to the charm of this portrait.