There are times when I go out to photograph a specific species but come home with images of birds I didn’t expect to see.
Western Kingbird – Nikon D200, f6.3, 1/3000, ISO 500, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
Yesterday Burrowing Owls with chicks were my target species but I wasn’t able to get as close as I would have liked. I did get images of this lovely Western Kingbird that was next to the dirt road I was on. A little bit of Serendipity!
I’ll try for the owls again later but I am quite happy with this Western Kingbird “consolation prize”.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Kingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Exquisite photo Mia! I love these birds. I’m happy to see that my neighborhood Western Kingbirds have returned for the summer. 🙂
Thanks Linda, Western Kingbirds are such chatterers, I love to hear them. Glad your are back to delight you too.
It appears that the outer tail feathers are white, which makes it a Western. There is also the Cassin’s, which looks very similar. Not only have my birdwatching skills improved to the point where I could identify the Cassin’s (overall darker gray above, with the tail having a pale terminal edging), I have had an opportunity to see both W/C side by side on a fence. The differences between the two are much more marked and it is actually easier to distinguish them.
Mathew, we also have the Cassin’s here in Utah but they are primarily in the south to south-eastern part of the state. I have yet to photograph a Cassin’s though I would love the opportunity. It must have been amazing to see the W/C side by side. Thank you for the comment.
Gorgeous detail and color. I love Kingbirds.
Julie, I love Kingbirds too, I saw an Eastern Kingbird a few weeks ago but wasn’t able to get a shot off before it flew away, maybe I will get another chance this week. Thanks!
Gorgeous photo. Beautiful bokeh, Mia
Thank you Bob!
Wow, fantastic photo!
Thank you Susan.
Wow! Stunning portrait of a most handsome bird!
Thank you Julie, Kingbirds are handsome.
Super shot..good luck with your next attempt on the owls.
Dawn, next time I have a plan with the owls, but for now I’m heading north…
Consolation indeed! Beautimus.
Thanks Laurence!
Beautiful yellows. Carol
Nice image Mia! Beautiful birds.
Thank you Elijah, they are beautiful.