Male Common Yellowthroat in rushes, Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, Box Elder County, UtahMale Common Yellowthroat in rushes – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

On Monday morning, while I was driving the auto tour route at Bear River MBR a young male Common Yellowthroat popped into an open area in some rushes. I had been trying to photograph a shy Marsh Wren when I saw the bright yellow of this warbler’s throat and chest.

Because I have found these warblers to be quite skulky and skittish, I quickly got my lens on it and started taking images. Of the photos I took, only two were acceptable to me. The other photos had dark shadows on the warbler from the nearby rushes.

I am always thrilled to have Common Yellowthroats in my viewfinder, and I wish I could find them more often than I do.

This wasn’t the only warbler with yellow plumage in that stand of rushes. I also spotted a Yellow-breasted Chat above the Common Yellowthroat. Unlike this warbler, the Yellow-breasted Chat stayed nearly hidden in the rushes.

I was disappointed about the chat but still thrilled with the Common Yellowthroat.

Warblers and other birds are on the move now because of fall migration. It is time to keep my eyes open for the common and not-so-common birds that might show up while I am out in the field.

Life is good.

Mia

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