I heard this Warbling Vireo calling in September before I saw it and then saw movement in the lower branches of a willow next to a creek in the Wasatch Mountains. I didn’t need another clue to know that a Warbling Vireo was in the willow.

Warbling Vireo peeking out of willows, Wasatch Mountains, East Canyon, Morgan County, UtahWarbling Vireo peeking out of willows – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I caught a glimpse of its face nearly hidden by the leaves and then waited to see if it would come out into the open.

By the time I was asked “what is it?” my answer didn’t require a second thought.

When it did come out into the open I was ready and took a nice series of photos of it while it looked around from its perch.

Warbling Vireo in late September, Wasatch Mountains, East Canyon, Morgan County, UtahWarbling Vireo in late September – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

Knowing the calls and songs of birds helps me to locate them. It helped me locate where this Warbling Vireo was in the willow and where it was going to pop into my view. It is a bit like playing “Marco Polo” but I’m attempting to locate the birds by their calls not humans in a pool while I have my eyes closed.

Warbling Vireo perched on a willow branch, Wasatch Mountains, East Canyon, Morgan County, UtahWarbling Vireo perched on a willow branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

This Warbling Vireo wasn’t the last vireo I saw before they migrated but it was the last one where I was able to take photos of this species out in the open this year. I haven’t seen or heard any Warbling Vireos in a bit more than a week now so most of them have probably headed to warmer climes to enjoy the winter.

I’ll miss their calls and songs and watching them move around in the trees.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Warbling Vireo photos plus facts and information about this species.