I couldn’t resist photographing this sweet young Blue-gray Gnatcatcher on my most recent trip to Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge. Why would I, anyway?
Young Blue-gray Gnatcatcher – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I did see, hear, and photograph Blue-gray Gnatcatchers in Utah, but not as frequently as I would have liked.
Here in south central Oklahoma, I hear them often, especially at Tishomingo NWR, far more often than I actually see them. I adore the soft calls and songs of these gnatcatchers. Like Cedar Waxwings, there are people who can’t hear them; fortunately, I can.
This young gnatcatcher wasn’t calling when I spotted it moving around near the water’s edge. Once again, my keen eyesight came in handy.
I didn’t have this little beauty in my viewfinder long. The young gnatcatcher perched just barely long enough for me to take a few sharp images before it took off.
Hopefully, I will be able to take many more images of this species in Oklahoma and Texas this year. They are such beautiful little birds. My pulse speeds up whenever they are around.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Spectacular shot. I love how the blue-gray color of the gnatcatcher plays against the dark green background and, of course, the detail you captured is amazing. Thanks Mia.
A tiny little charmer.