A two peewee day.
In almost 11 years of daily blogging I’ve only posted photos of a Western Wood-Peewee a single time, way back in 2013, and that bird was perched on unattractive barbed wire. So you can imagine that it was a notable occasion for me to photograph two of them on natural perches on the same morning.
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
It happened two days ago in the mountains. This first one wasn’t particularly close and I think the background is kinda blah but I like the perch and the broadside view of the bird. But to me, because of the boring background, this isn’t much more than a documentary shot..
1/4000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Fifty three minutes later and further down the canyon this one landed so close to me I had very little vertical room in the frame. Once again I have a natural perch and I like the background much, much better than the background in the previous photo.
Flycatcher photos don’t generate a lot of excitement when I post them and I’m perfectly fine with that but I think most of my readers can understand why getting some pretty decent shots of a species I photograph so rarely is kind of a big deal for me.
It doesn’t happen every day.
Ron
Cutie pies!! Actually like the profile of the first shot because I can see the detail in the wing. Very pretty. How fun for you!! 🙂
What a little charmer. And very different (as is usual) to ‘our’ pee-wee (a passerine which is also known as the magpie-lark. Still in lockdown here so your posts are more (if that is possible) than usually welcome.
And yes, I do understand your nit picking and the second shot is more attractive.
EC, if we had any sense many parts of our country would be in lockdown too, at least some form of it.
Sensational shots Ron, thanks for sharing!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks, Charlotte.
I like them both but maybe Lyle had the right idea—photoshop #2 on to #1’s perch? Nah. Each has its appeal though I can see that we get a better look at this cute little flycatcher’s features from the second image. Lucky us to share in your good fortune to capture two of them in one day.
Thanks, Chris. As you know I don’t do that kind of stuff with Photoshop but lots of folks do and most of them don’t disclose what they’ve done. And you know how I feel about that…
I’m 50-50 as to which photo is “better”. I like the first because its perched atop a serviceberry and adds context. The second is sharper and shows more detail, especially the eye ring. I suggest photoshopping the second bird onto the first serviceberry. 😱Just kidding, of course.😉 Seriously, I appreciate the opportunity to try to differentiate the Pewee from similar flycatchers.
I’d agree with you about the perches, Lyle. I like the serviceberry best.
Love the bird … Love the photograph!!
Thank you, Mary.
The second shot is beautiful!
Thanks, April.
Ron. If you like Peewee photo’s go to the Butte Mt. cemetary. I have observed Eastern & Western Wood Peewee’s where there ranges overlap. I would play there respective vocalizations and illicit a territorial response to lure them within a few feet. It was cool display.
That must be interesting to hear those different calls from two nearly identical birds at the same time.
What a joy! I love this little bird.Thank you for this beautiful photo.
I look forward to your posts everyday.
Take Care,
Kaye
Good to know, Kaye. Thanks.
So inspiring to know you follow this passion every single day. Thanks for offering such beauty to my in-box.
Thanks, Nancy. There’s been a few days in those 13 years when I haven’t posted but not very many.
That second shot is much better. I love these little guys and gals and often see them in our National Forest areas. I think all your followers appreciate seeing the wide variety of birds you show us. Very often less common birds you have shown us have provided me with information about them that I was unaware of.
“Very often less common birds you have shown us have provided me with information about them that I was unaware of”
Good to know, Everett. That’s part of the reason I post them.
Peewee Cuties! Congratulations on these wonderful pictures of a very elusive little bird. Each photo has its own appeal of detail, lighting, positioning and background. Flycatchers are a favorite of mine perhaps because I don’t see them in my yard or area. I love that you spotted and were able to photograph two in one morning. I checked Audubon’s website and learned that the Western Wood Peewee has significant range loss. I imagine the heat and wildfires also effect where they seek food and their migratory flight path. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/western-wood-pewee
Thank you, Melanie. Yes, Cornell says their “populations appear to be declining overall”.
So sweet. The second photo is perfect! I watched one in my yard the other day. Thank you again!
Thanks, Kathryn.
Howv s he different from our eastern wood pewee? Is the only difference geographical where they live? Is there song different?
Connie, the Western and Eastern are very close to identical physically. The best way to distinguish them is by their vocalizations, and of course by their geographical locations.
Pretty little “LBJ” The subtle coloring has it’s own appeal and I like the “whiskers” 😉 2nd shot MUCH more attractive. 🙂
Thank you, Judy.