Western 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 Western Warbling-Vireo perched alongside of ripe chokecherries. I was excited to see it.
Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western 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 Western 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.