Black-throated Sparrow

Gallery: AvianPosted March 24, 2013203 views17 comments

Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)

Place: Kearny, AZ
Date: November 27, 2009, 8:50 am
Equipment: Nikon D200, Nikkor AF-S 300/2.8, TC20E (2x), monopod from car window
Exposure: ISO 400, Aperture priority matrix metered, 1/1000th @ f/8, -1/3rd ev compensation
Raw, PS CS3 on Mac G4, modest crop

Black-throated Sparrow is at home in the deserts of the American Southwest, and the colors blend in well with the browns and tans here. Taken at a small “lake” at a desert park in the middle of Nowhere, AZ (about 90 miles from home). Not a setup; no bait – just a roadside encounter.

Honest critiques requested; all comments appreciated.

Comments

17 comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on March 24, 2013 at 3:48 PM

This is stunning Rich! I wouldn't change a thing. Love the beautiful tones in this image.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on March 24, 2013 at 3:53 PM

Beautiful image of a bird I've never seen. Aught to be published somewhere.

Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments

Comment posted by Jefferson Silva on March 24, 2013 at 5:01 PM

What a wounderful bird, in an excelent photography! Well done.

Registered on December 18, 2012, 162 Posts, 975 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on March 24, 2013 at 5:14 PM

Never seen one of these...a quite handsome and striking sparrow. Your image is very nicely done with great bg, grassy perch and excellent details on the bird. Not bad for "just a roadside encounter"! Sharon

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on March 24, 2013 at 7:40 PM

Rich--well done

........................................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on March 24, 2013 at 8:15 PM

Sweet image, Richard. I like the palette. The perch and bird go well together.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Strand on March 24, 2013 at 9:21 PM

A winner Richard, well composed yet simple pose, complimentary grasses and also complimentary BG that mimics suede. Love the larger version showing the sparrows detail. I wish these were in my area they are very pretty birds. Well done!

Registered on March 30, 2008, 416 Posts, 2885 Comments

Comment posted by KC Choo on March 24, 2013 at 10:47 PM

Excellent - well done!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on March 25, 2013 at 4:31 AM

Lovely composition and tones.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on March 25, 2013 at 10:30 AM

Wonderful shot of a sparrow I do not see very much of around our area. I am always amazed how they can land on the cactus, well done.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on March 25, 2013 at 4:08 PM

Super awesome Rich. Love everything about this. Very well done.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on March 26, 2013 at 7:13 AM

Very nice harmony of color, handsome bird Rich.
I like the perch, BG, POV, & interesting pose with the tail cocked to one side.
LP looks great, good job on the web sharpening as well

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 27, 2013 at 4:15 AM

Great Bird! Captured wonderfully, nice pose and excellent details. Very pleasing composition too.

Sweet One Richard!!!

Ken Archer

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Kirk Greene on March 27, 2013 at 4:13 PM

Excellent image of a bird I don't recall seeing posted on here before. The background colors compliment the sparrow perfectly.

Registered on May 12, 2004, 191 Posts, 1578 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on March 27, 2013 at 9:38 PM

Excellent image Richard, lovely comp and lighting