There are few warblers that are as striking as the Blackburnian. If they were a rare bird, they would be much sought after, even at warbler-central, Magee Marsh, during spring migration. As it is they are very common at Magee, and are one of the boldest and most closest warblers present. They often feed on the underside of the canopy, and even in the taller undergrowth, and, like Chestnut-sided and Black-throated Green, will sometimes work a branch within a foot or two of birders’ heads on the boardwalk. And, with their flaming orange breast and throat, they are pretty hard to miss, even in denser foliage.

That is not to say they are easy to photograph. They are fast, highly mobile, and rarely (at least at Magee Marsh in the spring) perch. They are not singing at Magee so they do not just pop up on a branch in the sun and sit for their portrait. No, close as they often are, photographing them is an exercise in dexterity, determination, and what some might call luck…but which I call persistence. If you try for enough Blackburnians at Magee, where they are plentiful, then it just stands to reason that you will eventually catch one (or two, or three 🙂

Canon SX50HS in Program with iContrast and Auto Shadow Control. -1/3EV exposure compensation. 1800mm and 1200mm equivalent fields of view. Processed in Lightroom for intensity, clarity, and sharpness.