Dark-eyed Junco in early springDark-eyed Junco in early spring – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning I spotted three Short-eared Owls not long after the sun had risen but was unable to take a single photo of them because they flew before I could lock on or once even raise my lens. I was excited though to find a few Short-eared Owls. I also found several Golden Eagles, Bald Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Harriers, some lingering Rough-legged Hawks and plenty of Western Meadowlarks. There were many smaller birds that flew so fast I was unable to ID them.

I saw and heard Dark-eyed Juncos and that always delights me, their soft calls soothe me. Dark-eyed Juncos are year round residents in northern Utah but usually during the breeding season I only see them in the mountains at higher elevations. I bet the juncos I saw yesterday will soon be heading to the mountains.

I was only able to photograph one of the Dark-eyed Juncos I saw yesterday because it was the only one that stayed still long enough for me to raise my lens, focus and fire my shutter button, the rest were way too skittish. Even though this junco was further away than I would normally want I liked the setting, the eye contact I had with the bird and how the buds on the tree look like they will burst open very soon.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to view more of my Dark-eyed Junco photos plus facts and information about this species.