Cedar Waxwings and a Pine Siskin. Sort of a mixed bag today.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
You know me, I’m always looking to get takeoff and flight shots. This Pine Siskin spent most of its time buried in the willows as if it was taking its cue from the Yellow Warblers that hang out in there. But I captured it in flight soon after it took off and the photo caught my eye for a couple of reasons. It’s my first flight or takeoff shot of the species and until I saw this photo I’d never before seen (or at least noticed) the pale yellow in the underwing of the species.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Once again I tried for decent Cedar Waxwing flight shots and once again I failed but I did manage to catch this one during takeoff. The angle is pretty steep but I like most everything else about the photo.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
I sure wish I hadn’t been so close to the birds for this shot and a bunch of others I took when the waxwing at bottom flew up to challenge the bird up top. At this close distance at f/5.6 I was very surprised that both birds were sharp like they were in all of my shots. But I didn’t have enough room in the frame for them both so this photo with one cut off tail was the best one I could manage.
The aggressor here never actually attacked the other bird but it sure made a nuisance of itself like this for quite a while until the recipient of the annoying behavior had enough and flew off. It’s also possible the “aggressor” was only begging for food (both birds are adults) but either way I don’t blame the other bird for leaving.
These waxwings and others in the area were hawking insects from the willows but I’m worried about one of their primary food sources this year – berries. We had a late frost near the end of May (the same one that nipped my tomatoes at a much lower elevation) so this year’s berry crop is only a shadow of its usual self, especially when compared to last year’s bounty of berries. About the only berry crop that looks like it’ll be relatively untouched is the elderberries but even in good years they’re far less abundant than the others and they don’t ripen until later.
It’s looking like a tough late summer and early fall for berry-eating birds and bird photographers alike.
Ron
The coloring of the Waxwings always looks to me like they’ve been airbrushed — so beautiful! Love the little kerfuffle at the end; I know that the non-squawker is saying ALL kinds of things under his breath. 😉 I would have been waiting for him to clock the annoyer. The Siskin is a charming fellow as well. Thank you so much for sharing these shots!
I agree about “airbrushed”, Marty. Their plumage is so fine that this species is notorious among bird photographers for being difficult to get detail to show in our photos.
Even without sound I can hear that last shot. And I would be getting out of Dodge quickly.
Love all three shots. And feel for the berryless birds.
“feel for the berryless birds”
As do I, EC. Hopefully the berries are more abundant in other nearby areas.
I just love that you love birds and photographing them so much. I would never see any of this without your work. Thank you.
What a nice thing to say, Nina. Thanks.
Beautiful shot of the waxwing in the take off “process” and the 2 having a “discussion” is fun. 🙂 My first impression was begging for food until I realized it was an adult – interesting! Siskins are unassuming and low key bird that we see mainly in winter – or just notice them then. Berry crops here aren’t good either for the same reason – a late hard freeze in our case…. A “first” (that I know of here) last evening – a pair of Greater Yellowlegs on the creek. Took awhile to figure it out but they finally decided to “talk” which pretty much confirmed it. Other than migration they aren’t supposed to be here! The certainly wade deeper (chest deep) than most waders I’ve seen…
Good find for your area, Judy. I see Greater Yellowlegs fairly often during certain times of the year, Lesser Yellowlegs less often.
Perhaps complaining about the lack of berries…’You should have chosen a better spot’! Do really like all three photos.😍 Siskins are such an unassuming bird it is easy for them to be overlooked for flashier friends. Glad you gave him his due. Bushes here are berry filled with our overabundance of rain this year. I’m seeing them loaded out in the wild. I came across a small flock of waxwings the other day…they were foraging for insects in a field of ragweed and other flowers. Pickings must have been good as they were having a great time.
Thanks, Kathy. I’ve always enjoyed siskins, in part because of their subtle yellows.
Love the shots, even the “too close” shot.
I guess it depends on where you are, sorry to hear your lackluster berry crop. We had a cold, rainy, spring, but no damaging frost/freeze. Crab apple berries, winter berries, service berries all look in good shape here in our small corner of VT. As a matter of fact we are having a fairly wet summer, only used the hose a few times this summer. The meadow, field and gardens aren’t complaining!
Thanks for sharing.
Well I’m glad that at least your birds are going to have abundant berries, Dick. And from what I’ve seen of your FB postings lately it looks like your beloved butterflies have finally picked up. I’m happy for you.
I think I would leave too if someone was barking at me like that. Very nice photos Ron. I like everything about the Waxwing taking off, and yes that is neat to see the soft color of the Siskin’s underwing. Good work all around.
Thanks, Everett. Yes, I’d either leave or bark right back!