There is a skiff of snow on the ground again this morning and it has reminded me that I should look for winter American Robins feeding on crabapples today.
American Robin standing in fresh snow – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/5000, ISO 640, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
American Robins are year round residents here in Salt Lake City and it might be easy to take them for granted because of that. I adore these red-breasted birds and love to photograph them whenever and wherever I can. During the winter I know that I can find American Robins feasting on ripened crabapples not far from where I live.
American Robin perched in a fruit filled Crabapple tree – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The timing of when the robins gobble up the crabapples varies from year to year and once they start feasting on the fruit it doesn’t take them long to strip the trees of all the crabapples. I know it is supposed to be cloudy this morning but I plan on heading to the crabapple trees to see if the robins are there yet.
Who knows, maybe I will find Cedar Waxwings feasting on the crabapples too.
American Robin looking for crabapples in snow – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/4000, ISO 640, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Photographing winter American Robins in the snow has become a late January or early February treat and tradition for me. I enjoy seeing the sharp contrast of the red-breasts and dark bodies of the robins against the pure white of the snow. Those contrasts make the exposure a little tricky but I enjoy the challenge.
It won’t be long before the American Robins in my neighborhood start to sing during the night. They know that spring isn’t all that far away.
Life is good.
Mia
To view more of my American Robin photos plus information about this species click here.
Really great pics. I love the middle image. The composition is perfect. Thanks Mia.
Beautiful photos Mia
We finally got some snow in our local mountains — so nice to be able to see them from here, not far from the ocean. Thank you for sharing these lovely American Robins. Hoping you find several of them and the waxwings soon!
I especially love robins. My mother was always looking for them and they remind me of her. Thanks Mia
Enjoyed seeing the Robins at this time of year with the temperatures dropping 20 degrees.
I like to watch them gulp down berries in the winter too. I have not seen robins or waxwings at their usual spots this year, the trees are still loaded with fruit.
It was sunny here this morning, I wish I had gone out, just local. I hope you find birds and good light!
I hope you find them. I really hope you find them.
And thank you for these cooling images as I continue to swelter in the heat (and dry).