Just over one month ago I switched from Nikon to Canon, specifically replacing my DX gear with the Canon 7D Mkii and Canon 600mm f/4. I'll have more to say on that in due course, especially about how (and why) I've configured the AF settings and the various controls to give me wonderfully quick access to all the key features I want to change while my face is glued firmly to the view finder.

But that's for later. This is a little celebration of Little Brown Jobs - LBJs - or Sparrows!! The US has plenty to baffle the avid birder, and those in DC have been the recent subject of my attention.

Common in the garden (still holding onto my British vocabulary... or "yard" if you like!) I have Song Sparrow and White-throated Sparrow. During the cold snap and snow fall of February, these are both ever present at the feeder.

Song Sparrow, Washington DC1/2000 @ f/8, ISO 400

Perhaps one of my favs is Fox Sparrow - such rich colours on this stocky sparrow. Heavily streaked breast with a large clump of colour in the centre. This one was taken an Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens earlier in the month, on a freezing morning.

Fox Sparrow, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington DC1/500 @ f/6.3, ISO 640

Next up we have Vesper Sparrow, at Kenilworth Park. A scare visitor to DC, with a very distinctive white eye-ring and broad white outer-tail feathers. Early morning light, and low shooting angle help set off this individual. The short perch was a real bonus, and helps isolate the subject from the surroundings.

Vesper Sparrow, Kenilworth Park, Washington DC1/800 @ f/5.6, ISO 400