When I photographed this American Robin perched in a crabapple tree last winter the light was low, the sky was cloudy, and there was snow on the ground. Snow was also falling from the sky.

Low light American Robin in a crabapple tree, Salt Lake County, UtahLow light American Robin in a crabapple tree – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1000, ISO 1250, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

After eating my lunch that day, I drove down to my local pond to see what birds were there. That day marked the first time I spotted and shared my sighting of a leucistic American Coot. It took me a little over four months to get the photos of the wonky looking coot that I desired. My persistence paid off, and I was thrilled with the resulting photos.

To get this image of this American Robin, I used my Jeep as a mobile blind to photograph this handsome red-breasted bird. If I had been on foot, the robin would likely have flown off. By staying inside my vehicle, the robin appeared to be at ease with my presence. That allowed me to take numerous photos of him without distracting him from noshing on the crabapples.

American Robins are year round residents in northern Utah. During the first few years after I moved here, I didn’t take many photos of this species. However, these robins hold a special place in my heart as I have a deep childhood connection with them. Consequently, I started paying more attention to them.

As plentiful as American Robins are in North America, there were times when I didn’t see them for several years in a row during the multiple times that I lived in Germany. Because of that, I learned never to take these ‘common’ birds for granted.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my American Robin photos plus facts and information about this species.