Brewer's Sparrow

Hi Richard,

Sparrow shots are some of my favorites--there's a lot to like in birds that do not have striking plumage.  I might tweak up the micro contrast a tiny bit to bring up some of the details that have been softened by shooting through glass.  Overall, a nice image and I like how the light underparts of the sparrow are placed over the darker portions of the BG. Well done.....................Jim

This looks pretty good all considering it was shot through glass.  Yes there is little softness in the detail from the glass in between the lens and the bird but only noticeable in the large image.  You must have very clean windows.  (And I'm assuming you have at least double pane windows because of the heat there which makes this even more surprising) the bird really pops quite nicely which is the most outstanding feature of the image.  A very pretty sparrow.

Nice pose and good separation from the bg, Richard.  I don't believe I've seen one of these before.  I agree with the other two comments that the plumage detail could be brought out a touch more without making it look oversharpened.

Beautiful little bird.  As always, I like the colors in the image.  Looks very sharp to me.

Thanks to all for the comments. I too have a special fondness for sparrows, finding them to posess an understated beauty that is only revealed by close observation.

Concerning the patio door glass, it is single paned (as are all the windows in the house, which dates from the mid '80's). I try to keep the glass clean, but that is an ongoing problem with Curve-billed Thrashers and desert spiny lizards that often tap on the lower glass to encourage my wife to toss out mealworms for them to consume. It also doesn't help the glass stay clean with the two cats who like to get close to watch the birds, lizards, and rabbits on the patio.

I don't think this should have any increase in contrast - this species is noted for being nondescript. Quoting from David Sibley

Similar to Clay-colored Sparrow, typically plainer and drabber, with less contrasting nape and more conspicuous white eye-ring.

Sibley shows both breeding and non breeding plumages possible in August, which I've included from his excellent iPad app.

Richard: it's a lovely little bid and nice to see the little ones get their due. Very good details especially considering it was shot through glass. Richard

I have a question - did you remove the lens hood, and press the lens to your door glass to take this image?

I have a question - did you remove the lens hood, and press the lens to your door glass to take this image?

No. I keep the hood on the lens (as with all my lenses) and keep back enough that nothing touches the glass. The lower part of the door that I shoot through is almost always in shade and that helps a lot in preventing flare from any dirt on the glass.