Willow Flycatcher and a bright blue sky – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On May 31st I wrote about Willow Flycatchers and how I could ID them because I heard their two part FITZ-bew calls, how one of them seemed to have a favorite perch and that I wanted to go back to see if I could get better photos of it. I did go back the next day and took some photos I was happier with but I still had one bright, out of focus branch behind the flycatcher’s head in those photos so I was reluctant to share them and hoped I could still get better photos of the bird if I went back to the same area and tried again.
Willow Flycatcher on a clear day – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though I have seen the Willow Flycatcher on the same branch many times now I am not able to get a better angle on that “favorite” perch because of other branches that are in the way. By observing the flycatcher I can tell that the area surrounding that perch is the flycatcher’s territory and it shows up there quite often. I knew I just needed to be ready when the flycatcher perched out in the open to take the photos I could be happy with and yesterday I’m glad to say that happened. The Willow Flycatcher perched out in the open high on a shrub with a clear blue sky in the background and I didn’t even mind the foliage and branches behind and above the bird. I guess I could say that I had to work at getting these images but truly it was more fun than work.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Willow Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Your patience certainly paid off with very nice images!
Fluffy little charmers. Who melt my stony heart.
I can see why you’d be happy with them…they’re wonderful!!! I love the tiny legs and feet in the second frame….