The day before my Sony photo walks began (May 4, 2025), while scouting the tip of Point Pelee National Park, I bumped into old friends John Reaume and Scott Fairbairn. We were making our way towards the tip tram stop when we noticed a cluster of photographers lying prone on the wet gravel parking lot. Naturally, we went to investigate what had captured their attention.

Migration at Point Pelee always promises exciting avian encounters, but this year delivered a particularly special treat: a Vesper Sparrow. Commonly seen by avid birders at Point Pelee, it was a rare opportunity to photograph one out in the open; they are usually found in open grassy areas, making it difficult to get a clear, unobstructed view through the lens.

Capturing this image required a bit of strategic maneuvering. This Vesper Sparrow preferred to stay in front of the cement parking curbs placed to define the edge of the parking spots. It would flit and run between these concrete dividers, almost as if following an invisible pathway, never stopping in front of a decent natural-looking background.

To get the low angle I desired and isolate the bird against the greenery, I carefully positioned myself, holding my camera just off the ground by the lens foot of my new Sony 400-800mm zoom rotated to the top, the articulating rear LCD of my Sony a9 III proved invaluable, allowing me to comfortably compose the shot without lying prone on the wet gravel, unlike some other photographers we had encountered.

It's crucial to remember that while the desire to photograph these beautiful migrants is strong, our priority must always be their well-being. Finding and photographing them ethically during this critical period is paramount, ensuring we observe without causing any disturbance to their vital journey. This rare sighting is a gentle reminder of the delicate beauty that passes through places like Point Pelee and the importance of responsible nature photography.