Townsend’s Solitaire juvenile high in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, -1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While photographing some Barn Swallows terrorizing an immature Belted Kingfisher yesterday I took my eye away from the viewfinder to scan the area to see if any other birds had flown in while I was focused on the action in front of me. When I am in the field I “look beyond my viewfinder” often because I have learned over time that if I don’t I miss some great birds.
Yesterday I didn’t miss photographing this gorgeous juvenile Townsend’s Solitaire because I remembered to pay attention to what was going on beyond my viewfinder.
Note: I should probably explain my exposure settings for this image. My exposure compensation was set to photograph the immature Belted Kingfisher that was very close to where I sat in a mobile blind. Their white plumage is super easy to blow out so I had dialed in some negative exposure compensation and I hadn’t changed it when I scoped the young Townsend’s Solitaire with my lens and took the first few photos of it. I quickly changed my exposure setting.
Fortunately I was able to lighten this image up in post processing.
Juvenile Townsend’s Solitaire perched on an old branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
After changing my exposure setting I quickly locked back on to the juvenile Townsend’s Solitaire and I was able to take another short series of photos of it before it flew off and buried itself in a nearby willow. I was only able to take 37 images of this young bird so I was more than delighted that I saw it when I did.
I was thrilled to get these photos because it is the first time I have been able to photograph a Townsend’s Solitaire in juvenal plumage. At this age they look strikingly beautiful to me and so very different from the adults of this species!
I know beyond a shadow of doubt that if I hadn’t looked beyond my viewfinder I would have never have even known this young solitaire was nearby.
Oh, and I still took some great action photos of the Barn Swallow dive bombing the young Belted Kingfisher. A win win.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Townsend’s Solitaire photos plus facts and information about this species.
I remember these in Flagstaff but forgot all about them since the move to Washington. Love them.
It does indeed sound like a WIN/WIN morning.
Thank you.
Oh My, it is beautiful. I have never seen a juvenile!
A striking young bird, excellent set.
Its plumage is so textured that it almost looks like scales. I don’t remember ever seeing an immature, although recognizing such detail certainly requires a better look. Very nice images!
Experience prepares you. An unusual bird.
What a beauty!!!