Male Dark-eyed Junco close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As common as Dark-eyed Juncos are I have surprisingly few photos of them in my galleries and that is why I get excited when I can add a new photo of them to my portfolio. Dark-eyed Juncos can seem tame near bird feeders but in the field I have found them to be a little on the skittish side. I don’t usually photograph birds at my feeders when I have them up so most of the photos I have of this species are taken out in the field where they are less than cooperative for me at times.
For a few seconds yesterday morning I had a male Dark-eyed Junco in my viewfinder who was perched on a fence post up close and I felt that I just had to take photos of it. Of the half dozen images that I took of the bird this was the only one that was sharp where I had the junco looking straight towards me. Two frames later the junco took flight and found a hiding place in a nearby bush.
Here in northern Utah I have seen Slate-Colored, Pink-Sided, Gray-Headed and Oregon Dark-eyed Juncos during the fall, winter and early spring. This male is from the Oregon group (also called race and subspecies) and that is the most common group of juncos that I see here. With our recent drop in temperatures I expect that I will be seeing more of these subtly beautiful, pink-billed birds out in the field and close to home.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Dark-eyed Junco photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful portrait. I love the muted background colors and, of course, the incredible detail you captured. Thanks Mia.
Nice! We don’t have them here.
Common is in the eye of the beholder.
Definitely NOT common here and, as Marty says, a looker.
This bird may be common, but it is also quite a looker! Really like the perch, the angle of the bird, and the little head turn. Very nice! 🙂
Nice image! Tack sharp bird, very soft background.
Such an interesting and diverse species. And this portrait is so balanced. Striking. We’re just getting our juncos into the feeders again along with house finches, gold finches, jays and titmice.