Eastern Kingbird hawking insects from a fence – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I haven’t photographed many kingbirds this year which in itself seems a little odd but I am also not seeing them in locations where I have seen them in the past and when I do see them they have been especially skittish. Not finding them in locations where they were abundant in previous years is probably related to their prey being absent in those locations.
Two days ago I was able to photograph an Eastern Kingbird hawking insects from a fence on my way out of Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and I loved that I had one out of focus sunflower in the background of the frame. The tans color in the background is dried grasses.
The gape on this kingbird is pinkish so I believe this bird hatched earlier this year and it has already become a proficient hunter.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eastern Kingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Love that ‘lert focus.
Very nice. I was just commenting that there are not as many King Birds surrounding the BRMBR. Usually the fences are covered with birds hunting.
Enjoyed seeing this bird up close. Nice picture!!
The blurred sunflower adds such a nice touch of soft gold…really sets the subtle colors of the bitd off sobwell…
Beautiful photo, Mia.
I, too, have not seen kingbirds where they used to be but have seen them in places they have never been before. Climate change? Great photo as always.