On my last trip to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge I was tickled to take my first of year Western Kingbird photos when I was heading back to the interstate.
First of year Western Kingbird on a barb wire fence – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I hadn’t seen any of these kingbirds on my way to the auto tour route but I saw plenty on my way out. After telling some bird watchers to look out for the Grasshopper Sparrow I found on the auto loop I proceeded to take photos of the kingbirds.
The Western Kingbirds were hawking for insects and I enjoy observing them on the move.
First of year Western Kingbird on a metal post – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2500, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I do wish that the grasses in the background had already greened up because I don’t care much for the brown backgrounds in my photos taken that day at this location. I see tans and browns so much here in northern Utah that it isn’t my favorite background color for bird or animals.
Spring Western Kingbird on a fence next to ranchlands – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/3200, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
But I do love these fierce flycatchers. Their gray plumage, yellow bellies, white throats, and black tails make them easy to identify and see in the field. These birds were silent but I also enjoy hearing them call.
I’m happy to see these kingbirds back in northern Utah and I’ll also be keeping watch for their cousins, the Eastern Kingbirds, now that they have arrived. Perhaps I’ll see them the next time I head to the refuge.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Western Kingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful bird. Even more so because Kingbirds are the mortal enemy of flies and other buggy-type critters. Great pics. Thanks Mia.
What a softly coloured stunner. I quite like that background for them – they certainly don’t blend into it in your photos.
Glad to know if this species!—Jeri