I was focused on a bathing robin when, with my wandering eyes, I spotted a Northern Parula perched next to the bird bath yesterday. I was thoroughly delighted.
Northern Parula male in September – Canon R7, f9, 1/640, ISO 1600, +0.3 V, Canon 100-400mm at 371mm, natural light
I had gone outside with my camera because I was hearing all kinds of bird activity. Next to the bathing robin, there was a Brown Thrasher getting a drink. A Northern Mockingbird was perched on the nest box, chickadees and titmice were feeding on seeds, and a Downy Woodpecker was at the suet feeder.
The thrasher flew off right away, the robin kept on bathing, and I took a few images of the mockingbird before aiming my lens at the robin.
I had only taken about a dozen images of the American Robin when I noticed the Northern Parula. In the blink of an eye, I focused on the parula.
Northern Parulas are another bird I had missed seeing while I lived in Utah. I used to see this species in Florida during migration, and during their breeding season, I would often see them in my garden in Virginia.
Of course, I was going to focus on the colorful little warbler! The parula isn’t a lifer for me, but I didn’t have a gallery for them on my site. I’ll have to dig through my archives and find the other images I’ve taken of this species one day soon.
I do wish the Northern Parula had stayed longer and that he had been closer. I’m thrilled to have gotten images of him, though, so there is that.
By the way, I know this parula is a he because of the chestnut band at his throat. Typically, that band is black and chestnut. He might be a young male, but I’m not sure.
I am sure that having this warbler in my viewfinder again was a treat!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my warbler photos in their galleries.
A treat for you, and a treat for us.