Fall American Pipit on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed an American Kestrel that I found two days ago I could hear a flock of American Pipits nearby and I located them across the road from the kestrel hanging out on some rocks. I’ve been seeing and hearing American Pipits since the end of September but this was the first time this fall I was able to get close to them.
American Pipit on a cool December morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I love the subtle beauty of American Pipits, how feisty they are with other pipits, and listening to their calls.
I didn’t stop to count the pipits that I found the other day because I was so focused on photographing them but it wasn’t a large flock and there may have only been around a dozen of them flitting about.
Alert adult American Pipit on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Over the years that I have photographed American Pipits it seems that more often than not I find them on piles of rocks or individual rocks in the landscape.
Relaxed American Pipit on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
American Pipits do breed in a few locations in Utah at high elevations. I’d love to find and photograph this species during the breeding season but so far I haven’t had that opportunity.
American Pipit checking out some rocks – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My best opportunities for observing and photographing American Pipits always seem to happen during the fall and winter. I see and hear them during the spring but they seem more skittish then than they appear to be in the fall and winter.
Adult American Pipit on top of a light colored rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
 I was delighted that the American Pipits I found two days ago perched on different colored rocks and I was pleased with my photos of them.
Adult American Pipit on top of a dark colored rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
If I am not fortunate enough to get this close to American Pipits again this fall and winter I can honestly say I am grateful that I had a few moments with them the other day. I’m glad I heard them from across the road and figured out where they were.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Pipit photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great pics. I love the contrast in textures between the Pipits and the rocks they perched on. And, of course, the detail in each shot is wonderful. Thanks Mia.
Mia,
Your great series of photos supports my confusion with pippit i.d.
Sometimes they are roundish, other times stretched and more “horizontal.”
Then there’s the eye ring: strong or hardly visible
Are these characteristics age/sex related?
I’m always grateful to see a tail bob or a streaky bird that’s walking in the rocks.
On your pictures #2 and 5 I would struggle with the i.d.
Thanks for this opportunity to study them!
Sue
They definitely gave you a variety of perches on which they could be photographed! I find myself drawn back again and again to the image that you labeled, “Alert adult American Pipit on a rock.” There’s something special about that bird.
Thank you for this subtle charmer.
Very nice series of photos. Interesting observation I have had about the pipits in southern Utah, their chest and stomach are pinkish. I can’t decide if it is reflections from the red dirt or stain from the red dirt when they dust bathe.
Yes, Mia, the photos are beautiful. Such a pretty little bird. Glad you found them. My area is getting a rain and snow mixture this morning. I don’t care for snow, but we need the moisture.
Beautiful photos –
Great shots!!