Male Yellow-rumped Warbler in breeding plumage, Box Elder County, UtahMale Yellow-rumped Warbler in breeding plumage – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Yesterday morning the skies were clear and I was out of the house at o’dark hundred, on the road with a travel mug full of hot coffee and high hopes of finding birds to photograph. There was a nip in the air but not nearly as much as last week when I saw a low of 24°F.

My best bird photos yesterday were of a stunning Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) male in breeding plumage that I photographed as he foraged in tree next to the road.

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's) male frontal view, Box Elder County, UtahYellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon’s) male frontal view – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’d been attempting to photograph a flitty, little Ruby-crowned Kinglet in the same tree when I caught a flash of yellow with my peripheral vision. I took my eye away from the viewfinder, located the bird, swung my lens towards it and started taking photos of the gorgeous black, gray, white and yellow male perched close to me on a branch.

I don’t much care for the background in any of the photos I took of this male Yellow-rumped Warbler yesterday because they are all busy due to branches but the warbler stands out well in each of these images because of his bright coloration and bold plumage patterns.

Foraging male Yellow-rumped Warbler in breeding plumage, Box Elder County, UtahForaging male Yellow-rumped Warbler in breeding plumage – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was challenging to keep up with the warbler as he moved through the tree looking for food and trying to find him in a location where branches didn’t obstruct part or most of his body.

I do wish that he had stopped long enough to sing or call but he appeared to be serious about finding something to eat.

People also call Yellow-rumped Warblers “Butter butts” and in this photo that yellow rump shows nicely.

Foraging male Yellow-rumped Warbler, Box Elder County, UtahForaging male Yellow-rumped Warbler – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I hope that I will be able to photograph more of the Yellow-rumped Warblers in breeding plumage this spring because they are stunning and perhaps even find one (or two or a dozen) where there is a nicer, cleaner background!

Life is good.

Today is Earth Day. Be kind to her.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Yellow-rumped Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.