On my most recent trip to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge, I was thrilled to spot and photograph a young Eastern Phoebe hanging out by some hardwood trees.
Young Eastern Phoebe at Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge – Nikon D500, f8, 1/100, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The young phoebe was in the shade, my camera didn’t have much shutter speed, but I was still able to take photos of the bird where I was happy with the quality of the images.
Perched young Eastern Phoebe in Oklahoma – Nikon D500, f8, 1/100, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I’d never taken photos of young Eastern Phoebes before, so that added to my excitement. Thankfully, as the phoebe hawked for insects, it would land on nearby perches. I barely had enough time to focus and hit the shutter button before this lovely phoebe would take off again.
Cute young Eastern Phoebe – Nikon D500, f8, 1/100, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This photo, showing the young Phoebe looking almost directly at me, made me laugh out loud when I saw the pose through my viewfinder. I needed that laugh.
Laughter is good medicine, isn’t it?
Immature Eastern Phoebe on a small branch – Nikon D500, f8, 1/100, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I had fun photographing this young Eastern Phoebe, following its movements, and watching it perch in between forays for insects.
I did not see Eastern Phoebes in Utah so seeing and hearing them here in Oklahoma is a wonderful thrill and delight. I’ve seen a few adult Eastern Phoebes too, but they have been far enough away that I knew I wouldn’t get high-quality images of them because of heat wave distortion.
Yes, it gets hot in Oklahoma!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Eastern Phoebe photos plus facts and information about this species.
The light, the detail, the subtle colors…beautiful. Thanks Mia.
I have a similar head-on shot of a Black Phoebe youngster in my yard. Watching this little family grow up has been so
much fun (although I’m constantly cleaning the backs of the lawn chairs 😂).
Laughter is excellent medicine – as are beautiful birds. Thank you.
I sure would not care to live in an area where it gets to hot. I have trouble where I live with just a few months of hot weather. Nice pictures of the cute bird. I think it would be interesting to live near a Wildlife Refuge. We can all use a little laughter in our days.