Eight days ago I photographed my first male Yellow Warbler of the year and two days ago I had some luck with my first females of the season. When this female Yellow Warbler showed herself foraging in the new leaves of a hawthorn tree I couldn’t have been any happier.
Yellow Warbler female perched sideways with prey in her bill – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This photo makes me want to rotate it in post processing because it feels odd but the female Yellow Warbler was perched sideways. She also had some kind of prey at the tip of her bill that was pinkish and round but I couldn’t tell what it was even when I blew the image up to full resolution and beyond.
Female Yellow Warbler foraging for prey in new Hawthorn leaves – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I photographed the female warbler as she moved about the hawthorn and I was happy when I was able to get some light in her eyes.
Behind the tips of the newly unfurled hawthorn leaves I can see flower buds emerging, it won’t be long before they are in bloom.
Female Yellow Warbler searching for prey on a Hawthorn – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Female Yellow Warblers get busy looking for nesting locations right after they arrive on their breeding grounds and I imagine that they require lots of calories to build their nests. Two days ago I saw plenty of insects flying around and they will help nourish her and some of the other birds that have migrated into the Wasatch Mountains.
Yellow Warbler female looking up into a River Hawthorn tree – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This Yellow Warbler didn’t stick around long so I’m glad that I was able to see her through my viewfinder and take a few photos of her. With the weather getting warmer I am certain I that will have many more opportunities with this species and others high up in the mountains soon.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Thank you for showing us this (relatively) subtle and industrious charmer.
Great shots! This is the bird I saw in my rose bush the other day. Thanks!
Wonderful close views of this beautiful bird!
Sweet [as in cool] group of pics. I love the sideways Warbler. I’m glad you didn’t rotate the shot. Thanks Mia.
I’m often blown away thinking about such tiny birds migrating thousands of miles each year. Thank you for sharing pictures of this ball of sunshine and energy.
Wonderful series of photos. They are so delicate looking.