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Long-billed SavannahSpar
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Long-billed SavannahSpar

by Brian Gatlin

Gallery: AvianPosted March 31, 201073 views8 comments
Canon 7D, 500mm f/4 + 1.4x TC, handheld

1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 160

61% (10.9 of 18MP)

The long-billed race of Savannah Sparrow lives in California and Mexico. It is likely that it will eventually be split into a full species, Long-billed Sparrow. They are common along the beaches at Puerto Penasco, Mexico. They occur most commonly in the saltscrub near the high tide line, but are also often seen on the rocks and boulders near the water.

I was pleased to capture this shot of a long-billed Savannah Sparrow on a nice granite perch. I was lucky get a usable shot on these bright white rocks, but think this one works. I like the pose, details, and bg.

Comments and critiques appreciated. Please view larger version if possible.

Off to a week of spring backpacking tomorrow morning.

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Richard Ditch on March 31, 2010 at 11:56 AM
Good move getting it out in the open like this, rather than in the bushes as I've seen them around San Diego.

I've always seen them referred to as Large-billed, not Long-billed. Has that changed recently?
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments
Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on March 31, 2010 at 12:17 PM
oops--you're right, Rich. Large-billed it is.
Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments
Comment posted by May Haga on March 31, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Very nice image. Love the perch and the nice low angle.
May
Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Harbour on March 31, 2010 at 8:33 PM
I like the pose, and the detailed view of that huge bill. Nice background, and I like your capture of the subtle colors of the sparrow.
Registered on January 4, 2008, 113 Posts, 2416 Comments
Comment posted by Rob Drummond on March 31, 2010 at 11:46 PM
Wonderful detail in the larger image Brian - like the monochrome surrounds as well.

cheers
Rob
Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments
Comment posted by Nate Chappell on April 1, 2010 at 8:36 PM
Excellent detail and I like your comp, I wasn't aware of this subspecies so thanks for the info and the image Brian, have fun camping. :toast:
Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments
Comment posted by Steve Balke on April 1, 2010 at 10:06 PM
I agree, Brian: pose, details and background look great. The bird stands out very well and the color match is beautiful. This bird does have a rather regal look: kind of reminds me of an explorer surveying what is to come. :toast:
Registered on June 18, 2009, 229 Posts, 2915 Comments
Comment posted by Mia McPherson on April 2, 2010 at 7:22 AM
Brian,

Great work on getting this bird in the open, I like the clean simple lines of the image, the beautiful details that are especially evident in the larger version, the pose and how well you managed the light.
Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments