One also can grow weary of being distracted by an abundance of gnatcatchers when trying to pin down that elusive migrant warbler after it provides a tantalizing glimpse. So many hoped-for rarities turn out to be only these active little nymphs.
Shades of gray can be very attractive. My favorite shot of a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was this one, perched on exotic and invasive but admittedly beautiful Brazilian Pepper:
Exuberant and active, it is so nice when a gnatcatcher decides to settle down for a portrait. The blue shows up in the cool shade.
If I could paint I would try to create this image...
...or this, when the maples began to leaf out.
With luck, they may be caught in delightful poses.
This might look like "singing," though it is a call that comes out as a barely audible "pissst."
Photographing small birds is fun but also can be challenging. Blue-gray Gnatcatchers often hunt for insects by hover-gleaning. It takes a quick "trigger finger" to catch them in the act.
In this sequence I captured the approach,...
...locking in on the target, and ...
Success!
All the following flight shots were "accidental," as the bird suddenly took flight as I was photographing it while perched. In most cases I expected the "failed" photo opportunity to end up in the trash heap:
Gnatcatcher are extraordinary acrobats. Weaving through the foliage, it is almost impossible to keep them in the camera's viewfinder.
In Illinois, I found a pair at their nest, a marvelous globe decorated with spider webs and lichen "shingles."
Hi Kenneth I am trying to get caught up to post I missed over the lastweek due to my friend being here. I have now seen them on your blogs and am azazed aat the Waterthrush adn the snake shots. Lovel the Heron photos adn this present post isthis little birdarewonderful. You managed to captured in all positions. great eye ring.
ReplyDeleteholy smokes! these are awesome captures of these tiny, flitting, fidgeting birds! having only seen one once, i know how tiny and how active they are! your shots are gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning photographs ... as always!
ReplyDeleteThese are all amazing! Those little guys don't stay still very long. They look so cute.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful little bird. The flight shots are awesome!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely superlative!!! I saw one since we've lived here in south Texas, but NEVER got good photos. I was going to say that I especially liked the 2nd one down from the top...but my goodness...the ones in flight just blew me away!!! EXTRAordinary images.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful little bird! I love your serendipitous flight shots.
ReplyDeleteThanks, all, for your kind comments!
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are so incredibly beautiful, I don't think you need to be able to paint...I'd frame several of these on my wall anytime! Also it is hard for me to imagine a birder being disappointed because of seeing "only" a gnatcatcher, but I guess that's one difference between serious birders wanting to add to their lifelist and people who just love to observe birds
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