Male Yellow Warbler looking out from willow leaves – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This morning I wanted to share three male Yellow Warbler photos that I took yesterday morning in a Morgan County canyon. I barely had time to stop my Jeep at this location when I noticed the warbler moving around in the willows. Even though the warbler wasn’t out in the open in this image I liked it because this is how I find these warblers most often. By that I mean partially hidden.
Male Yellow Warbler and willow leaves – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed the bright male Yellow Warbler I paid attention to the willow leaves. Typically at this time of the year the leaves are covered with aphids. I noticed yesterday that there weren’t any visible aphids on the leaves.
The Yellow Warblers and other warblers that visit these willows eat aphids so it appears that this year they will need to find alternate food sources. Usually there are aphids on the nonnative Musk Thistles in the mountains and so far this year I haven’t seen any on those plants either.
There are plenty of other insects in the area but I do wonder what happened to the aphids.
Male Yellow Warbler and willow branches – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This male Yellow Warbler has been going through a molt which means he is getting ready for fall migration which is now only a few weeks away. He is replacing his tail feathers and currently his tail looks rather stubby. Very soon those tail feathers will be their normal length.
I enjoyed having this male Yellow Warbler in my viewfinder yesterday morning.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful Warbler shots. Thanks Mia.
We are also noticing fewer bees and butterflies in the San Diego area. Especially among the missing are the Monarch Butterfly populations which used to be in such abundance. I hope they can rebound soon.
Beautiful images. Mia I have been seeing far less insects in my wanderings this year. Shockingly so. On the up side I did see the most incredible number of mayflies in a Walmart parking lot. I stood and watched and tried for photos with my phone. The air was sparkling with the sun shinning on their tinny bodies. I got a few strange looks from others as I giggled and said to them, look at how beautiful.
The yellow warbler is gorgeous. The lack of insects (even those as pestiferous as aphids) is worrying. Very worrying.
This beautiful, colorful bird was a great start to my day. Thanks for sharing your work, Mia.
Sweet photos of a lovely bird. In my new home in Connecticut I also must ask, where have all the honeybees and butterflies gone?
Ken, I’ve been seeing fewer butterflies and bees this year as well. It is worrisome.