03.09.25: Sparrow on yellow

‍This photo of a Field Sparrow enjoying the morning sun while surrounded by yellow autumn plants is typical of many of my bird photos in one simple way: The bird is perched in a field, not in a tree or in a forest.

‍For this variety of sparrow, the location makes sense. After all, it is a FIELD Sparrow. It spends much of its life in and around fields. That’s the reason the Field Sparrow population is in decline in many areas because the expansion of suburbs has eliminated fields. The Field Sparrow will not breed or nest near homes or in trees so they flee in search of fields elsewhere.

‍But the majority of my photos of birds of any species are taken in fields. In my opinion, it’s by far the best place to photograph birds.

‍First, a bird perched in a field is close to eye level (or camera level). I don't have to shoot up at the bird. This allows me to get a more natural angle on the bird.

‍Second, photographing a bird in a field provides a better chance to get an uncluttered background. I'm often closer to the bird than the bird is to background elements. This allows me to blur the background and isolate the bird so it is the focal point for the viewer. Photographing a bird in a tree typically results in a bird framed by a tangle of limbs and leaves.

‍Third, an open field results in better lighting for a wildlife photograph. I don't have to worry about limbs interfering with lighting, casting shadows on the bird. Many of my wildlife photos are shot during morning hours, when the sun is still low in the sky. This creates a "modeling" effect, with the sunlight highlighting one side of the subject and providing contrast the brings out detail in the bird's plumage.

‍This is why I spend more time photo-hiking in fields than I do in forests. That's where the best photos are hiding.