Wildlife photography is one of the most exciting and adventurous activities for nature enthusiasts. As a wildlife photographer, I feel blessed to have a bunch of pine trees in my yard as they attract various species of birds. One such bird that regularly visits my bird feeder is the Pine Warbler, which is a common sight here in Arkansas.
The Pine Warbler, also known as Setophaga pinus, is a small, yellowish-green bird that is a member of the New World warbler family. These birds are known for their distinctive pine-like trill, which is a familiar sound in pine forests throughout the eastern and southeastern United States. They have a unique coloration with olive-green upper-parts, yellow underparts, and white stripes on their wings.
Being a resident of Arkansas, I have had the opportunity to observe and photograph these birds up close. Pine Warblers are not only beautiful but also very active and energetic birds. They have a habit of hopping up and down the branches of trees and shrubs in search of food. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates found in the pine trees.
Pine Warblers are also known for their unique breeding behavior. They build their nests in the forks of pine trees, using a variety of materials such as pine needles, twigs, grass, and even spider webs. They lay 3-5 eggs in a clutch, which they incubate for about 12-14 days.
As a wildlife photographer, I always try to capture the unique behaviors and characteristics of the animals I photograph. Pine Warblers offer a great opportunity to do so, as they are not only visually stunning but also have unique behaviors that make them stand out from other bird species.
Overall, having Pine Warblers visit my yard is a treat, and I feel fortunate to be able to photograph them in their natural habitat. If you’re interested in wildlife photography, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for these beautiful birds, and if you’re lucky enough to spot one, be sure to snap a picture!
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R7
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500 mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
Technical:
I photographed the Pine Warbler from inside my pickup parked in my driveway. I had my camera and lens resting on a beanbag draped over an open window.
- Location: Lavaca (Arkansas)
- Date and Time Taken: March 7, 2023 (08:06 A. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f8
- Shutter speed: 1/640
- ISO: 5000 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 500 mm