Black-billed Magpie on a light colored rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It was nice to get out to Antelope Island State Park yesterday to see it covered in snow and to see the birds and wildlife. It had been three days since I had been out shooting and I was getting antsy to be back outdoors surrounded by nature. It wasn’t very birdy on the island but there were a few species I was able to put my lens on.
When I found a Black-billed Magpie on the rocks close to the road below Frary Peak I was happy to photograph it there. I rarely get to photograph Black-billed Magpies in that area.
I wish the catch light that is really in the eye of the magpie above showed well in this smaller version of this photo, it shows well in the full sized version. I liked the light colored rock it was on and the one raised foot. The magpie took off not long after I took this image.
Black-billed Magpie jumping up on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the Black-billed Magpie landed again it was on this nice pink and salmon colored gneiss rock formation with snow in the background. It didn’t stay long at the base of the rock before it jumped up and flew to the top of the rock. The angle of light showed off the beautiful iridescence of the bird’s tail and wing.
Black-billed Magpie squatting on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the magpie landed on top of the rock formation it seemed to squat down like it could see something I couldn’t see that caused it to be on alert. It didn’t stay long on top of the rock before it flew away and out of the reach of my lens.
The Black-billed Magpies on the island are busy building or rebuilding their nests right now, they know spring is coming.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-billed Magpie photos plus facts and information about this species.
That second photo is really terrific! Today it’s spring here in Oakland, CA, and some titmice are starting to nest in the box near my house.
Beautiful things – and so very different from ‘our’ magpies.
You really captured that beautful iridescence! These birds are such elegant, clever clowns…love how the bird seems to be dancing in the first image…love rocks, always like to see them, too.
Beautiful images , Mia.
Wonderful shots of a beautiful species!
So lovely,
This is a bird I’ve often wished we had in the east. Saw an unusual Redhead yesterday on one of our thawing small lakes. First in ten years.
Thanks for the morning images!