I’ve been enjoying taking Dickcissel photos at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge since I arrived in Oklahoma. Hearing them sing has also been a joy.
Male Dickcissel singing on a tree top – Nikon D500, f8, 1/500, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I didn’t see Dickcissels when I lived in Utah, but I did photograph some last year at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Oklahoma. I was thrilled to photograph Dickcissels there, and I am happy to have them in my viewfinder once again.
At this time of year, the males perch high and sing often to attract the females. I even saw a pair of mating Dickcissels on one of my recent trips to Tishomingo NWR. Unfortunately, I missed out on getting photos of that behavior. Maybe I’ll get another chance to take those images.
Male Dickcissel singing from a fire snag – Nikon D500, f8, 1/320, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Photographing this male Dickcissel singing on a fire-scarred snag was interesting to me. I had noticed this snag earlier in the day and thought it could be an interesting perch for bird photos. Then, when I drove by the snag again, this male was perched on it, singing.
There are other snags in the refuge that show signs of fires and a few trees that I could tell have been hit by lightning.
West Road at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D810, f9, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 18-200mm VR at 18mm, natural light
This photo of the West Road at Tishomingo NWR shows the area where I see and hear the most Dickcissels. It is the kind of habitat that they prefer: open areas with dense, moderately tall vegetation. On the north side of the road, there are mature trees, grasses, shrubs, and vines.
I’m having a terrific time with these Dickcissels.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Dickcissel photos plus facts and information about this species.
Hi there. Cute little bird you are showing. I am kind of confused as you keep posting pictures from Okla. Did you move that area?
Thanks, Trudy!
Yes, I have moved to Oklahoma!
Here in Eastern Colorado they seem o be attached to alfalfa fields and like to perch on barb wire fencing or power lines. Always a pleasure to run into them. 💚
Dickcissels are a bird I’ve never heard of but now I know! The ones you captured look as of they are in an opera to me! I love their colors!
What a little charmer – a bird I hadn’t heard of much less seen. Thank you.