Molting and messy Song Sparrow adult – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Two days ago I photographed a molting Song Sparrow as it perched on an old wooden post high in a mountain canyon in beautiful morning light. I guess I could have passed on photographing and sharing this messy looking Song Sparrow but I didn’t and don’t want to. I photograph birds in all their life cycles and plumage phases and I appreciate being able to see and document them all. During the month of August I see quite of few of the songbirds I photograph going through molt.
Do they look messy? Yes they can and do. They are still beautiful to my eyes.
Song Sparrow in molting season – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This messy, molting Song Sparrow didn’t stay on the perch long but I was able to get views of both sides of the sparrow before it flew off.
Sure, it is just a sparrow, a plain looking little brown bird, yet to me they are every bit as appealing and fascinating as a jewel-toned hummingbird or a stooping falcon even while they are in molt.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Song Sparrow photos plus facts and information about this species.
They look better than me too. Great pics. Thanks Mia.
Even ‘messy’ they have immense charm. And look better than I do – even without me having the excuse of a moult.
Totally agree, I enjoy seeing birds at all stages of their lives.
Nice shots, their molting here as well.
A Messy LBJ (Little Brown Jobber) for sure. Yes they among many other Northern Hemisphere birds that go through a molt process. Even my caged canaries are doing it. Which makes for a Very Messy Sunroom for sure… 😳