Rock Wrens are illusive subjects for me, they always seem to be so far away when I hear or spot them moving about on exposed rocks.

Rock Wren on a lichen covered rock, Box Elder County, UtahRock Wren on a lichen covered rock – Nikon D500, f8, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Last month I was able to take my best photos of Rock Wrens so far since I moved to Utah but even those aren’t as close to the bird as I would have liked them to be. Rock Wrens are migratory and this time of the year I don’t expect to see many of them here in northern Utah although they do overwinter in southern Utah.

Male Rock Wrens can have a repertoire of 100 or more songs. Listening to them while I search for and photograph other birds is music to my ears. Have a listen to their song here.

This Rock Wren was perched on a lichen covered rock on a cliff in Box Elder County with blooming rabbitbrush in the frame.

Rock Wrens blend into their habitat so easily and more often than not I hear them well before I can locate them.

I hope that next year when the Rock Wrens migrate back to northern Utah that I will have opportunities to take close up, finely detailed photos of this species, until then I am going to use this photo as a placeholder in my photo galleries.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Rock Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.