Autumn Townsend’s Solitaire on a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last Friday as I looked for birds in a few West Desert canyons I was serenaded by the songs and calls of Townsend’s Solitaires and while I loved hearing them it was frustrating because they were either too far away or hidden from my view. The only photographs I took of them that day weren’t up to my standards.
It was relaxing and peaceful to sit quietly in my Jeep listening to them sing with the sounds of the wind in the trees to accompany their them. The solitaires seemed to be everywhere I went that morning.
This past Sunday when I was in Box Elder County I was able to photograph several Townsend’s Solitaires on trees, branches and rocks but they didn’t sing and barely called.
Alert Townsend’s Solitaire perched on top of a tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I am happy because these solitaires were close enough photograph and to date these are my best photos of this species. I hope to take more and better images of them soon, that is “if” some of the seasonal roads remain open long enough. I may just pack a lunch and sit in one location all day long if that is what it takes.
This Townsend’s Solitaire is perched on a Netleaf Hackberry tree.
Townsend’s Solitaire and a bright blue sky – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The Townsend’s Solitaires I photographed on Sunday moved around a lot and they often perched where there was blue sky behind them. I felt that some of the backgrounds were rather plain.
Townsend’s Solitaire on lichen covered rocks – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I felt lucky the few times the Townsend’s Solitaires perched on lichen covered rocks but my dream shots include having them perched on firs and junipers in the mountains. I’m just going to have to work harder on getting the photos I want of these lovely song birds.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Townsend’s Solitaire photos plus facts and information about this species.
What an intriguing series of colors and textures. Beautiful shots and your narrative is very helpful because the Townsend Solitaires are new to me. Thanks Mia.
Fantastic shots! The lichen-covered rock is really beautiful.
Yet another bird that you have introduced to me. Many thanks. My lichen loving self particularly likes the last featured photo.
Beautiful shots! Seen once here in the east when many flocked to see it and once out west. Thanks for sharing.
So nice to see such crisp images of Townsend’s Solitaire! Thank you. Lovely song. American Robins are suddenly everywhere here in the neighborhood and a large hangout of Yellow-rumped Warblers too. Thanks for your eyes-on-the-
world!