Winter American Robin perched in a crabapple tree – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I believe I made a mistake when I didn’t listen to my inner voice that said “Stay close to home, the robins are feeding on the crabapples now” and went up into the mountains instead on what turned out to be a wild goose chase where I didn’t fire my shutter button at all. I should have listened to my instincts, stayed close to home, and photographed the American Robins to my heart’s content.
All was not lost though because before heading home with my tail tucked between my legs I did photograph some American Robins foraging on the ripened fruits of crabapple trees. I probably would have gotten better photos had I sat with the robins earlier in the morning when the light was softer but I am glad that I took these photos and that the light was nice enough.
American Robin and ripe crabapples – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last February when the American Robins were gorging on the fruits of these same crabapple trees I was able to spend several mornings photographing them. Most of those images were of the robins down on the ground feeding in the snow and very few of them were taken with the birds in the trees.
Yesterday I was able to focus on this American Robin as it foraged in the branches of a crabapple tree and took a nice, long series of images of the handsome red-breasted thrush.
Winter American Robin picking at a twig – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share this photo of the robin because for some reason seeing it in this pose while picking at the twig it reminded me of a crow or a raven. Maybe that is just me.
Side note: With spring just around the corner now I am looking forward to the first time I hear the American Robins singing before dawn this year. I know some people complain about them singing so early in the morning but to me it is an auditory delight.
American Robin eating a ripe Crabapple in winter – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This American Robin had a bit of trouble swallowing the whole crabapple that was in its bill but eventually it was able to get it down.
I wonder what kind of photos I would have gotten if I had not gone up into the mountains and had photographed the American Robins filling themselves up with crabapples instead. I am not sure but I do know that I should to listen to my inner voice more carefully.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a gorgeous set of shots! You captured such exquisite detail and composition…these pics are like a series of Chinese watercolor paintings. Thanks Mia.
Very nice images, Mia! Having grown up with them in the Northeast, I miss seeing robins here in south Florida. So far this winter I was lucky enough to find a single bird on two occasions. Some winters they do not show up at all, but once we had flocks of hundreds.
I am sorry you were largely skunked while you were out – and grateful for the robins at home.
Excellent images! Your descriptions always provide nice bite-size bits of information about the birds as well.
That is a sight for sore eyes. They are so clear and show such good detail. Are those crabapples the ones that ferment and the robins get drunk on?
Nice photos. I have been hearing (but not seen) American Robins the last few days. I am hoping they are ones that overwintered here and not early arrivals. We are expecting snow tonight and freezing rain tomorrow.
Grand!
Beautiful photos Mia.
Nice photos! I can hardly wait until they return here, around May. Enjoy!
And you are right! Life is verygood