Male MacGillivray’s Warbler with food for his young – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I know for certain that the eggs of the MacGillivray’s Warbler in the nest that I found several weeks ago in the Wasatch Mountains have hatched because the adults are busy delivering food to their chicks. Yesterday it was the male bringing insects in that first caught my eyes.
I would have loved it if the male warbler had been closer but with this species I will take whatever they offer me.
MacGillivray’s Warbler male with a bill full of prey for his chicks – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Sometimes that means a wonderful pose or action image where the bird is small in the frame.
I don’t know what all the insects are in the bill of the male but that is a lot of bugs! The male MacGillivray’s was getting ready to deliver the food to his chicks when he lost his balance in this photo. He quickly regained his footing on the perch and then flew to the nest with the prey he had gathered a few moments later. I could hear the begging calls of the young warblers as he entered the nest which is hidden at the base of a bush.
Female MacGillivray’s Warbler with food for her chicks – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
My best opportunities photographing the adult MacGillivray’s Warblers with food for their young yesterday happened when the female popped into view with prey in her bill. She made her way up the branches of a Golden Currant bush and watched the area of where her chicks were snug in the nest for a few seconds.
MacGillivray’s Warbler female with prey for her chicks – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When the female MacGillivray’s Warbler saw the male fly away from the nest with a fecal sac she delivered the prey she had in her bill to their young. I believe she has a dragonfly nymph in her bill in this photo.
It shouldn’t be long before the warbler chicks fledge from the nest and I hope that I’ll get to see and photograph them as they start learning how to fly and forage for themselves.
Finding the MacGillivray’s Warblers and their nest nearly a month ago has given me great opportunities to photograph and observe these warblers during their breeding season.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my MacGillivray’s Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great series of pics; especially the last one. Lunch is served! Thanks Mia.
That is a truly impressive beakful the male is carrying.
He sure is beautiful when he loses his balance! I wish I looked that good. 😉
Snap.
Nice images and intimate description of his behavior!
Such a fun find!
Happy days