Marsh Wren Funny Face – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While looking for an image in my archives I came across this photo of a Marsh Wren making a funny face while doing the splits on some cattails at Farmington Bay WMA and wanted to share it. Both of the images in this post were taken last November.
I thought about asking for caption suggestions and if you have any please feel free to leave them in the comments. The wren seemed about to lose its grip on the cattails at the time because it was fluttering its tiny wings.
Marsh Wren splits on cattails – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But it regained its composure because this photo was taken just a few frames later. I do wish that both feet of the Marsh Wren were visible in this photo but some times things get in the way.
In the interest of full disclosure I want to mention that I digitally removed an out of focus tip of a cattail stalk on the lower edge of both of these photos just to the right of my copyright watermark, it was bright and a touch distracting to my eyes.
The wrens are a bit quieter now than they are in the breeding season but they are year round residents here in northern Utah and one day I hope to photograph one of these little wrens with snow in the background or snow in the frame some where. They are tough, tiny birds to make it through our harsh and bitter cold winters.
I see and hear Marsh Wrens often at Farmington Bay WMA and Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge but they can be found in practically any marshy area in Utah and across their breeding range in North America.
Tip of the day: If you go slow, whether driving or walking, you are more likely to see these small wrens, or any small birds for that matter, than if you are zipping along at a fast pace.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Marsh Wren photos plus facts and information about this species.
“go slow” is good general birding advice – as well as good general life advice.
What do you mean the proctologist isn’t in?
I think you can see the toe of bird’s left foot in both photos.
I would be making a funny face if I were caught in that position too. And would be unable to save myself.
Another charmer. Thanks Mia.
The image of the splits is the quintessential shot of these little wrens, isn’t it? And you’re so right about going slowly, and that’s true for a lot of the things in life! I think you have to be older and have gained more of life’s perspectives to realize that, though. When you can go faster, you do. Then you slow down and begin to see what you’ve missed along the way to geezerhood. Life IS good!
That’s one determined looking Marsh Wren! Amazing how those legs work.
I have yet to see one of those birds land in the split position and wonder how they do it,. In this series, wonder why bird didn’t land on bent reed insteed,..they look so awkward and uncomfortable doinf the split.