American Robin perched on a gnarly old fence post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
American Robins seemed especially abundant yesterday high in the Wasatch Mountains and I was happy to photograph them foraging on the ripe berries of a hawthorn.
This robin had just chased another robin off and perched on an old fence post for a moment before it took off. There was heavy smoke from the western wildfires in the air so I adjusted my ISO to obtain high enough shutter speeds.
Adult American Robin perched near ripe hawthorn berries – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The settings in the rest of the photos are a little cluttered by the branches, leaves and ripe berries of the hawthorn that are close to, in front of and behind the robins. I don’t mind that at all. The tan color in the background is from the hillside behind the hawthorn that is covered in dried grasses.
American Robin foraging for hawthorn berries – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Most of the time the robins flew in to center of the hawthorn and were obscured by the leaves and branches but I kept my eyes on the birds and when they moved out into the open I was ready to photograph them.
American Robin perched on a bare hawthorn branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few times the robins actually landed in the open where I had clear views of their red breasts, dark backs and I had great eye contact.
American Robin and ripe hawthorn berries – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the robins were out in the open they seemed to be enjoying the warmth of the rising sun and I can relate to that because I’d seen a low of 35°F early that morning in this location. Temps are really cooling down at night in the mountains but the day time temps are warm and comfortable.
Late summer American Robin – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know that I am always delighted to have American Robins in my viewfinder despite how abundant they are. They are striking, colorful, and interesting birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.
This eBird map shows how abundant American Robins are in North America.
American Robin sightings on eBird
What an extraordinary series of American Robin pics! The detail, colors and eye contact you captured are absolutely perfect. I think each shot is worthy of the Smithsonian. Thanks Mia.
Mia, beautiful photos of the robins. I grew up seeing the beauties in our yard on the farm in MN. Thank you.
I would be absolutely delighted to see them too.
You have (again) gifted us with beauty today.