Western Birds V - Photographer's Luck

In the category of photographer's luck - I offer this Lark Sparrow as it takes flight in the South Dakota Badlands.

Lark Sparrow

There is not the same degree of luck in the following photos of the Grasshopper Sparrow, but still plenty of satisfaction. A couple of years ago in Arizona in the winter, it was all I could do to get a glimpse of this bird. But during the breeding season in the South Dakota grasslands, it was prominent on many perches.

Grasshopper Sparrow

Clearly, this gentleman is singing with full-throated gusto - which is a bit of a disconnect, since the song of the Grasshopper Sparrow is an insect-like buzz lacking in musical qualities ...

Grasshopper Sparrow

And finally for this post, a female Western Bluebird. Songbird photography often involves cropping and adjustments, but this photo is unprocessed, ruled only by her ephemeral beauty and poise ...

Western Bluebird (female)

Good birding!