Willow Flycatcher perched in willows – Nikon D500, f9, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My persistence and knowledge of a Willow Flycatcher’s territory paid off again yesterday morning when the flycatcher flew in close and landed on a willow branch not far from where I sat in my Jeep. The flycatcher was so close that this image is full frame from top to bottom, I cropped a tiny bit off of the left side in post processing to have a 7×5 format. I clipped its tail a few times because a slight breeze was moving the willow branch around.
Willow Flycatcher giving me the eye – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was delighted to have a Willow Flycatcher perched in creek-side willows though because the bird gets its name from having a preference for being in habitats with willows. I guess I could grumble about the out of focus willow leaf on front of the bird’s foot but I’m not going to because I loved the light, the poses the flycatcher gave me and all of the fine details I was able to capture in its plumage.
Willow Flycatcher about to fly off – Nikon D500, f9, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR, natural light
After taking about 60 images of the flycatcher I took the time to remove my teleconverter so I wouldn’t be clipping the tail of the bird and took about a dozen more photos of it before it flew off to chase away another flycatcher that had apparently encroached on this bird’s territory.
Other than the sound of the creek tumbling its way through the canyon and the calls of the other birds that were in the area it was quite and peaceful because I had the area to myself. I called out a “thank you” to the flycatcher who had landed on the other side of the creek and went on my way to look for more birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Willow Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
I agree with Dick, above. Nice job!
I almost felt I was out there with you! Our Willow Flycatchers in Illinois seemed to have more distinct wing bars and looked darker, but this may be a function of light conditions. We rarely see them in south Florida as the Alder Flycatcher predominates during migration and in in winter.
Yet another charmer. Thank you.
Just beautiful. Every pic is perfect. Thanks Mia.
Although pale by comparison to other birds, I think it is quite a lovely little bird. Fantastic detail!
Excellent Mia, beautiful shots should be pictures for a book!