I photographed this Say’s Phoebe yesterday morning way up in northern Utah. There were actually two of the phoebes in the area but this one came in the closest.
Say’s Phoebe and lichens – Nikon D500, f10, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
When I was photographing the phoebe that didn’t come close, I saw another one land about ten feet behind my Jeep. I couldn’t capture any images of it then, but when it landed on a lichen-covered cliff face, I was able to. As I took photos of the Say’s Phoebe, I couldn’t help but notice how the hues of the lichens complemented the color of the phoebe’s belly.
I wish I would have had this pair of phoebes in my viewfinder for longer than I did. Unfortunately for me, a pickup hauling a trailer went past and made the pair take flight.
While I always enjoy having Say’s Phoebes in my viewfinder, I also love listening to their dawn songs. The pair of phoebes that I photographed yesterday did call to each other. My ears and eyes were happy and delighted.
Later in the morning, I drove back to the location, hoping to find the phoebes again.
Although I did see them, they were too far away and too skittish for me to get a close-up shot in my viewfinder. Perhaps this pair of Say’s Phoebes will choose to nest in the same area where I found them yesterday. I hope they do, and that I’ll have the opportunity to observe and photograph their offspring when they fledge.
The soft spot I have for this species is amplified when I have young Say’s Phoebes in my viewfinder.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Say’s Phoebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
I see what you did there — and I lichen it! 😉
I always love it when you share bird song – and this is MUCH more musical than our early birds.
Beautiful photo, I am seeing more this spring than I usually see.
Gave me a chuckle. And Phoebe’s always steal my heart.