There are 2 migrations a year and they bring a lot of activity in the birding world. This week's photo is of a Lincoln's Sparrow that I was fortunately to have perch about 3 meters from me. I was walking around the Homeless Garden located on the west side of Santa Cruz looking for a Virginia Warbler. No luck on that bird but I did get this close encounter with Lincoln. I was set on my minimum settings of 1/640s and f/4.8 and there was enough light to bring the ISO to a very good 500 for the D800. I was able to take 10 to 15 shots of the bird on the post and the lighting really brought out the colors. I think the best lighting is when it is overcast because the sun becomes soft, there are very little shadows, and the color really comes out.
Photo of the Week 13: Lincoln's Sparrow (Melospiza lincolnii)
EQ: D800 f/2.8 300mm with 1.7x TC Taken: 10-09-14 9:20
Setting: 500mm, 1/640s, f/4.8, ISO500 Condition: Overcast
Other more common sparrows in the area were the Golden and White-crowned Sparrows. Although not a sparrow, a very pleasant surprise was an uncommon Palm Warbler. The Palm like the Lincoln landed within the focus range of my lens. I sat down when I saw the guy and it continued to fly catch around me when I was able to capture a very good image of the bird.
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)
500mm, 1/1000, f/5.6, ISO900
10-09-14 10:38 Overcast
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys)
500mm, 1/640, f/4.8, ISO180
10-09-14 9:30 Overcast
Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum)
500mm, 1/640, f/4.8, ISO450
10-09-14 9:56 Overcast
Your comments are welcomed and if you have any questions about the photo or any other questions leave me a message.