Black-billed Magpie stretching – Nikon D300, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 328mm, natural light, not baited or called in
There was a bit of sun yesterday between snow falls and I headed out to Antelope Island hoping there would be light and birds. There was light and a few birds, this stretching Black-billed Magpie in a tree was one of the birds I found. I dislike the fact that the tips of tree’s branches show that they have been clipped, that was done before the tree was planted last year. I do like the position of the wings, the fanned out tail and the light in the bird’s eye.
Snow is projected today, we’ll see though.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Black-billed Magpie photos plus facts and information about this species.
I haven’t seen a magpie in a few years now … one of my favorite birds. I also love the fanned tail, spectacular visual.
Thank you Ingrid, they are fascinating and beautiful birds.
What nice colors and contrasts this bird has!
Thank you Maria, they are such a beautiful bird and even though they are common here I love to photograph them.
Beautiful – would probably work well as a black and white image too (har, har!).
You made me laugh Kath! Thanks for that and for your comment.
Perfection!
Thank you very much Sally!
Beautiful!
Ah, to combine sunny days with snow must be such fun for photography.
It is fun when it happens Laurence, we do get some dreary weather in the winter though with the clouds & inversions. But those days with good light and snow are priceless.
Lovely bird, nicely done Mia.
Thank you Bob!
Great action capture Mia – Magpies are such neat colored birds.
Thanks Dan, I think their iridescence is very appealing and their plumage patterns too