Spring Sage Thrasher portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The second bird I photographed yesterday morning on Antelope Island State Park was an adult Sage Thrasher in gorgeous early morning light. Our Sage thrashers are just beginning to migrate back into northern Utah for their breeding season and I am glad they are arriving. I saw and heard a thrasher on a previous trip to the island but the bird was too far away to photograph and the light angle was poor.
I spotted this Sage Thrasher so close to the road that I decided to take portraits of it. It isn’t often that I have this species in my view finder close enough for portraits. I hoped to hear this Sage Thrasher sing but it was silent while I focused on it.
Very soon these thrashers will be displaying and courting and I hope that I will be able to take some photos of their courtship displays in great light on the island before the no-see-ums come out. I have severe reactions to the bites of the no-see-ums and while they are out and biting people I will need to limit my time on the island.
Taking my first of the year Sage Thrasher photos made my pulse quicken yesterday. It is wonderful to have these “Mountain Mockingbirds” back for their breeding season and I look forward to hearing their songs ringing out over the sagebrush once again.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Sage Thrasher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful pic. I love how you captured the depth in the Sage Thrasher’s eye. The overall color and detail in this shot is incredible. Thanks Mia.
Simply gorgeous – with a song to match.
I love the light just catching one yellow rim of the eye.
Absolutely delightful song from a beautiful bird — thank you so much for sharing. It really brightened my day! 🙂
Wonderful use of light for an excellent result!
Lovely light in that photo. And the birdsong you linked is fantastic – what a musical bird!