Yellow-rumped Warbler perched on a stump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Three days ago I photographed Yellow-rumped Warblers in the Wasatch Mountains, these warblers are a challenge because they move so quickly but they are always fun to have in my viewfinder. Some areas of the canyon seemed to be dripping with these warblers to the point where I had trouble knowing which bird to focus on. This one landed on a stump for a few seconds…
Yellow-rumped Warbler looking for prey from a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
While this Yellow-rumped Warbler seemed to prefer looking for prey from a branch near a creek. I love how this warbler is framed by the weathered branches.
Yellow-rumped Warbler on a rock – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There are some large rocks near the creek which some of the Yellow-rumped Warblers landed on, this one gave me a nice view of it before it flew towards the bank of the creek to forage some more.
Spring Yellow-rumped Warbler on a curvy branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The warblers all seemed to be in hyper-drive mode and I took tons of photos of them just hoping for them to be still long enough to focus on, I had plenty of images that didn’t meet my standards but I know that is what you have to do with birds that move so quickly.
Close view of a spring Yellow-rumped Warbler – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Later in the morning at a different location I had one of the Yellow-rumped Warblers pop up close to me which gave me a great view of it as it looked in my direction. The warbler was only there for about two seconds but that was long enough for me to get this image.
Back view of a male Yellow-rumped Warbler’s yellow rump – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
It almost seems fitting that the last image I selected to use in this post is of a male Yellow-rumped Warbler where his yellow rump is in plain view. It is no wonder these warblers are nicknamed “butter butts” because they do look like they have yellow butter on their rumps!
I’ve been delighted to see and photograph so many Yellow-rumped Warblers so far this spring even when they frustrate me because they move so fast.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow-rumped Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful shots Mia. We got your rain today!! Still no butterflies, really unusual this late into the spring.
As always I am awed. The small birds move incredibly fast don’t they? And unpredictably. Yet again you were at least as quick as they are, and gave us some stunning images.
Thank you.
Terrific series Mia. Everything, from the background, to the colors, to the wonderful detail you captured…is perfect. Thanks.
Glad to hear you find them difficult, I thought it was just me. Them and the chickadees, but I love them both. Off today to a local storm-fed lake to see what I can discover. Happy birding, hope the weather’s fine!
Wow, great series of photos. I photograph them every chance I get.