While I was searching for other photos of a mammal I had taken, I came across this picture I had taken of a scruffy male Yellow Warbler without a tail to share. This photo was taken high in the Wasatch Mountains in July of 2020.
Scruffy male Yellow Warbler without a tail – Nikon D500, f8, 1/800, ISO 500, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had forgotten that I wanted to share the image of the Yellow Warbler because, when I looked at it, the pose of the tailless bird made me laugh. It was as if the warbler was asking for a bit of privacy or something. It wasn’t actually doing that, but the thought that it was caused me to chuckle.
As a bird photographer, I’ve had the privilege of observing a wide range of bird species in all their unique forms. From scruffy to bald, molting to fluffed, wet to gangly, and everything in between, each bird presents a fascinating opportunity to observe and photograph it.
I relish the chance to capture these birds on camera, even in their less-than-picture-perfect moments. Watching a bird preen its feathers after a good splash in the water, or witnessing the awkwardness of a fledgling learning to fly, provides an intimate glimpse into their lives and behaviors.
So, whether a bird is sleek and well-groomed or scruffy and unkempt, I try to always seize the opportunity to photograph them. Each image is a unique and valuable to me and perhaps to others.
I know that this male Yellow Warbler had worn his feathers down by helping his mate raise a brood of chicks to their fledgling stage. He had seriously earned the right to look scruffy.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Yellow Warbler photos plus facts and information about this species.
Goodness he does look kind of ruff looking. Wonder how long it takes to grow some new tail feathers? I would think it would be hard to fly if at all for a while.
He had indeed earned the right to be scruffy – as no doubt so had his mate.
His poor little naked bum!❤️ I wonder how he compensates for not having his rudder.