Willow Flycatcher perched on a fence while hunting for prey – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I was able to spend time taking Willow Flycatcher photos high in the mountains with clear skies overhead as I watched the flycatchers hunting for prey. There were at least two of these small olive colored, neotropical migrant empids in the area and I suspect that there may have been more of them nearby.
Most of the time I had wildflowers, a fence post, or branches that obstructed my view of the flycatchers. There were also a few instances when I had great views of them.
Willow Flycatcher resting on a fence – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The habitat in this location is riparian with willow thickets and on higher ground there are fruit producing trees, wildflowers, shrubs and grasses plus there are plenty of insects in the area for the flycatchers to hunt, catch, and eat.
Willow Flycatcher perched on a serviceberry branch – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
There were a few times I photographed the Willow Flycatchers when my views of them were in between the yellow stalks of blooming Common Mulleins. The out of focus, yellow flowers of a mullein were what created the yellow left and right edges seen in this image. I had a clear view of the flycatcher as it perched on a serviceberry branch though!
Close up Willow Flycatcher – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Towards the end of my time with the Willow Flycatchers I had one of them land on a fence so close to me that I opted to take portraits of it and I still wasn’t sure I’d be able to get it sharply in focus. I shouldn’t have been worried because it worked out fine.
In a little over a month the Willow Flycatchers that breed, nest, and rear their young here in northern Utah will start to migrate south to their wintering grounds in the tropics. I’m thrilled that I was able to spend a few moments with the Willow Flycatchers yesterday morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Willow Flycatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great stuff! Really loved these shots. Thanx
Terrific series, Mia! So glad you have been getting some rain!
Wonderful shots, Mia. I especially like the portrait. Amazing to imagine these tiny birds making the long migration trek.
Lovely series. I am surprised you were out on a Saturday.