Willow Flycatcher photographed through leaves, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahWillow Flycatcher photographed through leaves – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It seems that I have spent a lot of time photographing Willow Flycatchers this year and I am happy that I have because I enjoying taking photos of these flycatchers. These flycatchers are usually more of a challenge but finding this bird’s favorite perches and its territory has helped me tremendously during this breeding season.

While this photo might not appeal to everyone’s tastes it appeals to mine because I photographed the flycatcher through some leaves to get this image and those out of focus leaves created a gossamer-like appearance in front of the bird in some spots.

Willow Flycatcher in bright morning light, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahWillow Flycatcher in bright morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

And this photo of the flycatcher appeals to me because it shows some of the habitat I find this species in and even though the branches in the background are out of focus they still say “willows” to me. I also love bright morning light on my subjects and the light in this photo was just right.

Adult Willow Flycatcher perched on a branch, Wasatch Mountains, Summit County, UtahAdult Willow Flycatcher perched on a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Although this photo of the Willow Flycatcher perched on a branch is simple because it is just the bird, the branch and the out of focus background it is that simplicity that I find I enjoy about this frame.

I don’t know if this Willow Flycatcher is still hanging around his favorite perches because I haven’t been out to photograph birds in nearly two weeks because of my trip back East but I plan on finding out if it still does this morning. I have a need to get out, to drive the mountain roads at a relaxed pace and look for birds again.

Life is good.

By the way, I’m celebrating this morning… It was exactly ten years ago today that I drove my old, red Jeep into Salt Lake City to begin this part of my life here in Utah.

Mia

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

These photo were taken on June 24th of this year.