Warbling Vireo with ripe chokecherries – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
One of the birds that I photographed in Morgan County two days ago was this lovely Warbling Vireo perched alongside of ripe chokecherries. I was excited to see it.
Warbling Vireos nest in northern Utah but I hadn’t had my lens on one since the 7th of June. On that day I didn’t get photos of the squabbling pair of them because they were too high in a tree in the Uinta Mountains. After that date I didn’t see or hear any until last week when I heard one calling in the Wasatch Mountains. I was becoming concerned because typically I see and hear them throughout their breeding season here.
I was driving on a tree lined dirt road in Morgan County when I saw movement in one of the chokecherry trees. After stopping the engine of my Jeep I watched the movement of a bird flitting through the leaves. The next thing I knew this Warbling Vireo popped out into the open where I could photograph it.
In my Yellow-breasted Chat post yesterday I mentioned that I was most excited about seeing and photographing the young chat. This Warbling Vireo excited me too and it came in second place of my most memorable birds from that trip into the mountains. If I hadn’t found the chat this vireo would have been my most exciting bird of the day.
This Warbling Vireo didn’t call or sing but I enjoyed its presence next to the ripe chokecherries in this frame any way. I’m feeling a little less concerned about not seeing them for so long this spring and summer.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Warbling Vireo photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful image.
I am excited at all the wonders you share – and this is no exception.
Great shot! Such a pretty bird and perfectly surrounded by the foliage.
What a pretty shot of a cute Warbler and the Chokecherry bush. Mother use to make lots of Chokecherry jelly back years ago.
Lovely shot of a lovely bird – so glad you spotted it and shared it. Thanks!
Beautiful composition, and I love how the light reflected in its eye complements the choke cherries. Just lovely.
Very nice capture and a delightful composition. These can really be exasperating to photograph them even as they sing loudly out of sight in the treetops.