On my last trip to Oakland Nature Preserve, I got a fleeting glimpse of the Field Sparrows hanging out there for the winter. I returned to try for better photos. Who can resist a “field” trip for Field Sparrows? :)

It took me a while to find the Field Sparrows again. There didn’t seem to be many little birds out and about. After a few minutes, I understood why as a Red-shouldered Hawk circled over the fields.

When I did finally spot the sparrows, I would have done a happy dance if I hadn’t been so busy focusing and pushing the shutter. Two Field Sparrows hopped out into the open just in front of me. I dialed in a little extra aperture to get both of them in focus. They are such cute little birds!

Once I found the birds, I followed them as they meandered through the fields. They didn’t stay in one place for very long. Focusing on birds through vegetation can certainly challenge my camera!

I thought they had flown off, then they popped up in front of me in beautiful sunlight. I was so close that I had to back up to focus. Rich’s jaw dropped when I got home and showed him the photos. He wants to know why they are called Field Sparrows when I found them in the trees… ;-)

As I started to leave, I heard the distinct call of a Painted Bunting. There were bird feeders in the backyards of some nearby houses. I spotted a male and two greenies at the feeder. The greenie had the reddish blush I’ve seen in an immature male. A great end to my little field trip!

Find my birding list from today on eBird.