Female Yellow Warbler gathering nesting materials – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, -0.3 EV, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Last week I spent a few moments photographing a female Yellow Warbler working on building her nest high in the Wasatch Mountains. I watched her as she gather nesting materials near the stand of willows she is nesting in. In this image I believe she has the down from a nonnative Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) in her bill. She flew directly to her nest, dropped the down in and flew away from the nest. It all happened so quickly I wasn’t able to get photos of her that time.
Yellow Warbler female in her nest with nesting materials – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, -0.3 EV, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
A few minutes later I was able to photograph the female Yellow Warbler with nesting materials in her bill in the nest. I didn’t much care for the shadows from the willow branches and leaves but loved the intimate view into this warbler’s life and her nest.
This is a large crop from the original frame. The comfort and safety of this nesting bird is far more important to me than any images I could take of her.
Female Yellow Warbler in her nest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I wanted to share this image of the Yellow Warbler on her nest that I had taken just three days prior to the one above for comparison. The nest had been built higher in just three days.
By now the female Yellow Warbler may be finished building her nest and the willow may have leafed out quite a bit. I may not even be able to see this nest now because of freshly unfurled willow leaves.
I wish this tiny feathered ball of sunshine the best of luck with laying her eggs, incubating and raising her young. I am extremely grateful for the two mornings that I could see her working on her nest.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Really neat pics. I love how different species take care of their young. Thanks Mia.
I share your hopes for this diligent worker and her brood. Sooooo much.
And what amazingly intimate shots.
Looks like the perfect nest for raising some babies in. Wishing her and her compatriots all the best this spring!