Yellow Warbler Perched, Rousing, Taking Off And In Flight

Once again, it paid off to know a little about bird behavior.

 

1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

Two days ago in the Wasatch Mountains I was attempting to photograph other birds when this male? Yellow Warbler, that had been buried in a bush, came out and landed on the periphery of the same bush. He wasn’t particularly close so I was hoping against hope for flight shots, knowing full well that my chances were slim to none because warblers are so doggone fast.

 

 

1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

But this warbler gave me a cue of imminent takeoff – he roused. Rousing doesn’t always mean birds are about to take off but it’s a reliable enough cue to fire off a quick, short burst and hope you get lucky.

 

 

1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

So that’s what I did and I actually got lucky. The bird pushed off and…

 

 

1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

took flight. My luck continued when I…

 

 

1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in

managed to keep him in frame for a second flight shot. This one isn’t quite as sharp as the previous photo but I think it’s ‘sharp enough’, whatever that is.

I always consider it a victory of sorts when I get decent flight shots of warblers. Getting a relatively clean background is a bonus.

Ron

 

23 Comments

  1. Beautiful series. I love the last one.

  2. I imagine that knowing (through long and sometimes bitter experience and research) always pays dividends. And what rich dividends these are. Thank you.

  3. Really nice photos, and a great photography tip – Thank you!

  4. Everett F Sanborn

    Outstanding Ron. You got it perfectly. That 3rd photo looks like an Olympic swimmer poised and ready for the start gun. All 5 photos are perfect. Excellent camera and photographer at their best.

  5. Kathryn Madden

    What a treat! I’m in awe of your expertise and timing.

  6. Just want to add my compliments to your well-deserved achievement – well done!

  7. That is definitely a difficult task. Well done!

  8. Excellent! The 3rd & 4th shots are exceptional to me!

  9. WOW! Beautiful series! 🙂 They ARE fast for sure and don’t tend to stay put for long unless, of course, they are collecting spider webs from our picture window. 😉 We have several this year.

  10. What a nice series…..I especially like #4 for the detailed look at
    the sectional arrangement of wing feathers……I hope to see a
    yellow warbler in real life before I kick the bucket; that’s my idea
    of golden treasure!

    • Thanks, Kris. I’m not seeing (or hearing) as many Yellow Warblers as I usually do this time of year. I hope that isn’t a sign of something ominous.

  11. The third photo is wonderful! I did not know, or appreciate bird takeoffs and landings before discovering your posts. I have learned so much and am grateful for your teachings. While animal behavior and photography has always interested me, you have provided so much insight, and such beauty I Thank You! Still learning at 68, Better late than never.

  12. Michael McNamara

    “…warblers are so doggone fast.”

    That’s a fact! Even with your skills, equipment, and the bit of luck you seem to have, I still cannot imagine how you manage to get some of these shots. Those last 3 are just amazing. Well done.

    Something about that third one. In the launch mode. Has a real feeling of time suspension.

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