Male Yellow Warbler with a stubby tail – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Some birds that are molting can look a little odd and this molting male Yellow Warbler with a stubby little tails fits that description perfectly. Not only does he have extremely short tail feathers (retrices) I could also see that he is molting his flight feathers (remiges) so he doesn’t look as perfect as I am sure he did as when he arrived on his breeding grounds.
I photographed this male Yellow Warbler as he foraged yesterday morning while up in a canyon in the Wasatch Mountains. He moved quickly from one branch of a willow to another and I only had a few opportunities to photograph him where he was out in the open.
It doesn’t matter to me whether the birds I photograph are in perfect condition at all, they have cycles in their lives and I like to document them all.
Very shortly these yellow bundles of joy on the wing will be heading to their wintering grounds but right now they are getting ready for that long journey by feasting on insects and fruits. I will hate to see them go and I always miss them when they are gone. July sure went by fast.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
He looks a little ragged, but no one can be perfect all of the time. Just having a bad feather day!
You are amazing at finding these little guys in the willows.
I am seeing lots now in various states of dress/undress and not sure if they are juveniles or in molt. Not even sure what they are! I do appreciate that you publish them whether they are resplendent or raggedy in all seasons.
Even in moult he is a glorious splash of colour.
He’s worked hard this breeding season — and it shows. Thanks for a delightful pop of sunshine.
Bad feather day? Molting is tough. VBG!