Adult male Mountain Bluebird in the foothills of West Desert mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Earlier this week I saw a few bluebirds in the foothills of the Stansbury Mountains and they reminded me of some photos I had taken of a male Mountain Bluebird last month in about the same location.
This male Mountain Bluebird seemed to glow in the early morning light which was in sharp contrast with the shadows on the mountains in the background.
Both the male and female Mountain Bluebirds tend to look a little worn after the breeding season. Before migration adult Mountain Bluebirds molt so their feathers are in good condition for their journey to warmer climates. This male bluebird had nearly finished molting when I photographed him.
I wasn’t able to photograph the Mountain Bluebirds I saw last week because they were far away and skittish so my photos of this male might be the last images I will take of these sky blue thrushes this year. Some of the Mountain Bluebirds have already taken wing and the rest will soon leave on migration.
I enjoyed photographing all of the Mountain Bluebirds that I found this year and look forward to more great times with them next spring.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Mountain Bluebird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Dynamite pic Mia! The composition, as well as the combination of colors, is wonderful. Thanks.
This is such a fabulous shot — the light, the composition, the contrast between the soft, baby blue feathers and the stark, thorny twigs. 🙂
Beautiful!!!!!!!!
I love the gradation of the tones in this artful composition!
You are right. The early morning light is perfect to make this small stunner glow.
Absolutely gorgeous!
Beautiful
This species became our life bird in Yellowstone, will never forget it!!
Thanks for the memory.
A fave bird! Love it! TY!