Willow Flycatcher In July

Adult Willow Flycatcher in a thicket – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning I spent a few minutes with a cooperative adult Willow Flycatcher in a willow thicket high in the Wasatch Mountains. The light I had while I was with this flycatcher was variable due to clouds to the east hanging over the mountain tops.

I knew there were clouds before I headed up into the mountains but decided to go anyway. I needed to feel the cooler mountain air and to relax in nature. The flycatcher was a bonus.

For what ever reasons this year I haven’t had as many opportunities to photograph Willow Flycatchers as I have had in previous years.  Mostly, they just haven’t been close enough or hidden from view. Having this Willow Flycatcher up close and out in the open was a treat I hadn’t expected.

Willow Flycatcher on a July morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Earlier in the morning I watched this Willow Flycatcher launching itself from the top of a willow to hawk insects from the air repeatedly. At that time the sun hadn’t come over the mountains yet and the creekside willows were all in the shade. I knew that I would have struggled with low shutter speeds so I simply observed the flycatcher catching its breakfast.

I believe that this Willow Flycatcher and its mate have a nest in the area because it gets quite defensive and animated when other birds get near a particular clump of willows. I have seen it chase after Song Sparrows, Gray Catbirds and Lazuli Buntings to name a few of the birds it reacts to. I hope the pair of flycatchers raises a brood that will come back to this area next year.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Willow Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.