Immature Black-billed Magpie in flight – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed this immature Black-billed Magpie in flight last September on Antelope Island State Park as it flew over a rabbitbrush that was just about to bloom.
The background is a bit messy with the out of focus sunflower stalks but what I really liked about this image was the iridescence of the tail and the wings. Also, at this resolution I know it is a challenge to see the eye color of this magpie but I can see the deep violet-blue that indicates that this bird is immature. And on the top wing it shows a new feather growing in.
The magpies are working steadily on their nests right now on Antelope Island, I suspect it won’t be long before they will be sitting on eggs.
I’ve found that people either hate Black-billed Magpies or love them. I am in the love them camp.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-billed Magpie photos plus facts and information about this species.
I have 1051 images left to move from my old galleries to the new ones. I will be ever so glad when this chore is done. This has been hanging over my head for too long.Â
I love them as well. I have gotten to know many as individuals in a rehabilitation setting and they never cease to amaze me.
So very different to our magies. So very beautiful.
NICELY DONE MIA… A DIFFICULT CHALLENGE JUST TO GET A FLYING BIRD
IN THE VIEWFINDER WHEN USING THIS MUCH “POWER.” YEP, WELL DONE. ;-)))
Wow, what a gorgeous bird. The iridescence was picked up nicely.
WOW!!! What a BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL way to start the day!!! This is such a wonderful shot of a very handsome bird!!!
Beautiful image, Mia.
Beautiful bird. We don’t have them down here in southeastern Arizona
Steve, thanks. I don’t remember seeing them when I lived in southeastern Arizona either. Hadn’t thought about them not being there though.