Female Western Tanager perched on a juniper – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent time photographing a female Western Tanager perched on a juniper in a canyon out in the sky island mountains of the West Desert of Utah. When I first saw the female tanager she was nearly hidden in the juniper. With a little patience I was able to wait until she moved to the top of the tree and into better light.
I have been seeing male Western Tanagers for weeks now yet this was the first female I have taken photos of this spring. Female Western Tanagers aren’t as flashy as the brighter and more colorful males. I find the beauty of the female Western Tanagers more subtle but equally as enchanting.
I’m not certain whether the female Western Tanager was looking for food when I photographed her or if she was looking for a place to build a nest. I only had two minutes with her before I lost sight of her.
The female Western Tanager wasn’t alone.
Male Western Tanager half hidden in a juniper – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to include one of the photos of the flame-colored male Western Tanager that was near the female. Unlike her the male remained half hidden in the juniper and didn’t cooperate like she did.
Yesterday morning I also took photos of other male Western Tanagers that were singing at the top of trees. They were all too far away from me to obtain high quality images of them. I enjoyed listening to the male tanagers sing as I watched them through my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Tanager photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a beautiful bird. I had no idea that male Tanagers were so colorful. His lady friend is beautiful too. Thanks Mia.
Love the sharp details of the Junipers!
He is certainly more dramatic than she is. I do love your capture and recognition of her subtle beauty.
The bokeh in both shots really sets off the birds nicely. The female looks a little disheveled. I’m hoping it’s because she’s having a successful breeding season.
All good!