Targhee National Forest American Robin – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/200, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I don’t photograph American Robins enough. They are common in my yard and they are probably singing outside my window as I type this. Truth is that I don’t normally photograph birds at home, I am usually too busy culling or processing the images that I have taken at other locations.
I do remember that as a child, teenager and young woman that I would get excited to see American Robins each time I would come back to the U.S. after living overseas for several years because I hadn’t seen them for so long.
American Robins are numerous here at times and begin singing in the spring long before the sun comes up, some times I even curse them on those rare mornings when I sleep in past 04:00. But they are the early bird and I am but a featherless, flightless photographer who should enjoy them more.
It does seem easier for me to appreciate them away from urban areas and I really can’t put a finger on why I feel that way. Maybe it is because they seem more “wild” away from the groomed grasses in city yards? Or maybe it is because their songs combined with the sounds of a forest are a far more pleasing to my ears than the background sounds of a city and that being in a forest draws my attention to the robins more.
I really should pay more attention to American Robins.
I was trying to photograph flickers, wrens and sapsuckers in the Targhee National Forest of Idaho earlier this month when the American Robin in the photo above appeared close to me and softly called.
I paid attention.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.
I am so very grateful for each and every one of the birds. Including the ones who survive, and thrive, in our cities.
In an hour or so the first birds will welcome the day here, and their song is always a gift.
And will never see your robins, so am grateful to see them.
To each her own, BUT being a city girl with city-raised kids and grandkids, I think birds you can see and hear in the city are a great blessing…..well, maybe not pigeons! What’s the green background in your featured portrait today? A completely lovely combination of colors! I think I’ll do my bedroom, etc., etc.!!Thank you for all of this! PS – what’s catchlight?
I love to hear these guys sing…not so crazy about hearing them beat their brains out agaist hubcaps, though. I’ve raised a couple of them so feel a special bond with them. The last one, Luigi, loved whole wheat high protein spaghetti…which he only got as a treat….may have thought it was a worm….
Beautiful photo, Mia, love the catchlight.