It has been almost exactly one year since I have taken high quality images of American Pipits. I have a fondness for these birds and I have missed them.
American Pipits on the rocks – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
On December 3rd of last year I located a small flock of American Pipits on the flats next to the Bear River that were gathered on a pile of rocks. I found them by first hearing their calls and then by sight. The calls of this species of pipits are soft and they tickle my auditory senses. I adore their calls.
In this photo there are two out of focus pipits behind the the one that is in focus on the rock.
American Pipit on a cold December morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I am fond of the subtle plumage colors and patterns of American Pipits in their nonbreeding plumage. That subtleness can make it challenging to find these birds on the fields, playas, and flats where I see them here in northern Utah. Because these pipits were on the pile of rocks and boulders it did make it easier for me to find them.
American Pipit walking down a boulder – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The bouncing tail movements of American Pipits is another reason why I am fond of these medium-sized songbirds. I love watching them move while they forage and explore their habitat. That tail bouncing behavior is fascinating to me.
Staring American Pipit – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I have heard and seen American Pipits this fall at Farmington Bay WMA and Bear River MBR and while traveling the roads here. I simply haven’t been able to get close enough to them to obtain the high quality photos of them that I would like this year. So far, anyway.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my American Pipit photos plus facts and information about this species.
Pipits are one of the bird species I was totally unfamiliar with until I learned about them through your posts and this wonderful series of shots illustrates Pipits perfectly. Thanks Mia.
One of my favorites also. At FBWR this morning (Friday) the wind last night must have scattered small seeds across a skiff of ice that had formed. The normally shy Pipits were marching around like little soldiers, talons fully extended for traction, pecking at this and that.
Nice series, I saw some in St George area last visit. Interestingly they are slightly orange on the chest and underside. I think it is from the red sand.
I can see why you have a fondness for American Pipits. They aren’t colourful but they are somehow gorgeous at the same time.