Golden-crowned Sparrow stretching after a shake while perched on the tip of a spruce tree in Alaska. Its wings are fully extended, revealing the bright yellow crown against a soft golden background. Photograph by Christopher Dodds. — **Golden-crowned Sparrow Landing on a Spruce Tip** (*Zonotrichia atricapilla,* Bruant à couronne dorée, Chingolo coronidorado, GCSP) Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens & Sony 2X teleconverter @800mm ISO 10,000, f/9 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Golden-crowned Sparrow Stretching After a Shake on a Spruce Tree on Kodiak Island, AK

Christopher Dodds June 26, 2026

While exploring the backroads of Kodiak Island, Alaska, Julie and I watched a Golden-crowned Sparrow perform a quick stretch after a shake, briefly revealing the bright golden crown that gives the species its name. Moments like this last only an instant, reminding us why patience—and being ready—are so important in wildlife photography.

**Pacific Wren Singing on a Cold Morning at Sunrise on Kodiak Island** (*Troglodytes pacificus,* Troglodyte de Baird, Chochín del Pacífico, PAWR) Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens & Sony 2X teleconverter @800mm ISO 10,000, f/9 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Pacific Wren Singing in the Cold Morning Air on Kodiak Island

Christopher Dodds June 24, 2026

On a cool Kodiak Island morning, a Pacific Wren perched atop a spruce tree and filled the air with its surprisingly powerful song. Backlit by the rising sun, each note briefly revealed wisps of visible breath, creating a fleeting photographic moment that combined behaviour, light, and a little bit of Alaskan magic.