For me it’s a pretty big deal to get a Bullock’s Oriole in my viewfinder.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning while I was attempting to photograph Lazuli Buntings in an isolated tree in a remote area of northern Utah this male Bullock’s Oriole made a completely unexpected appearance in the same tree. When he flew in his obvious intention was to displace a male bunting that had been singing on territory, which is exactly what he did. That bunting was the bird I’d been trying to photograph. Thanks a lot, bub.
With the bunting successfully driven off he only spent about two seconds here, just enough time for me to get him in my viewfinder and fire off four shots in a quick burst before he flew off.
I figured I’d seen the last of him but I was having a blast attempting to photograph the buntings so I stayed at that tree for much of the morning.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Fifty three minutes later he came from out of nowhere and flew into the tree again. This time he gave me a little more time with him and the shooting angle wasn’t so steep but the setting was a little cluttered and the tip of his tail was obscured by leaves.
I don’t think either of these photos are great shots – it’s the subject that appeals to me most, rather than the aesthetics of the images. The best photos I’ve ever taken of this species in the past were taken in my back yard years ago when the orioles were attracted to my hummingbird feeder so those photos would be considered setups.
So getting frame-filling photos of a beautiful male in the wild was something special for me, despite their imperfections.
Ron
He has such a grumpy look. Lol
I’m late but still want to wish you Happy Dad’s Day and thank you for the beautiful Bullock’s O pictures—I only rarely get visits (but always to the hummer feeder), always glad to see lovely photos.
Thank you, Chris.
Have you been eating a lot of beans lately? I ask because you seem to be full of them. I agree with everyone else: beautiful photos. Happy Father’s Day.
Thanks, Lyle. Well I did have Navajo tacos a couple of nights ago…
I strongly suspect that if this bright and vibrant beauty was in my eyeshot I would be too busy looking (and quietly oooh and ahhhing) to raise the camera.
I am very grateful you have more presence of mind.
Thanks, EC.
Hi Ron,
You made my Father’s Day with those great shots!
Well then, Happy Father’s Day, Len!
Stunning bird — those colors! These are great shots, Mr. Nitpicker. 😎 😉
Happy Fathers’ Day!
Thank you, Marty. I call’em as I see’em. But then sometimes I change my mind…
You do. And sometimes your fan club here helps you change your mind.
That’s right. It’s part of the reason I blog, to get feedback about my photos.
Ok, Ron, it’s time for an intervention here! These are SPECTACULAR! I appreciate your high standards, but I’ll paint with a broad brush and speak for the group this morning: these are stunning and we want more!😊
Happy Father’s Day to you, and my best to Shannon.
Maybe they’re better than I thought they were… 🙂
Thanks for thinking of Shannon. Her recovery has been amazing and it continues to this day.
Stunners of photos ! I had 2 mated pairs of Bullock’s orioles who hung
out in my yard for so long and so aggressively that they finally drove off all
of the hummingbirds from my feeders ! Now the orioles have moved on,
but the hummingbirds haven’t yet made a comeback . I sure hope you have
luck with the Lazuli Buntings– they’re MY favorite because of that gorgeous
coloration…..can’t wait to see your photos of them !
Kris, I’m afraid I didn’t have a lot of luck with the buntings, for a variety of reasons. I’m still going through my photos of them though so we’ll see…
I think these are great photos…this is a bird I’ve never seen.
Always nice when the intruder is such a beauty.
Kathy, I see fewer of them than I used to. They don’t even come to my yard any more.
Pfffft! That’s what I have to say about your silly little “imperfections.” 😉 I love your quest for perfection, BUT for those of us who don’t get to see these gorgeous folks, your perceived imperfections are immaterial to the sheer beauty of this guy! What a celebration of Nature’s spectacular today! THANK YOU!
Happy Father’s Day!!
Thanks, Laura. Those imperfections are pretty much immaterial to me too but they’re still there… 🙂
Beautiful bird ❗️ Love the first one… the head tilted up just adds a little something for me.
A Father’s Day gift to yourself 😁
Enjoy your day.
“A Father’s Day gift to yourself”
That’s a great way to look at it, Diana.
I think these are just about the best Bullock’s Oriole photos I have seen. We have them here, but never easy to find or to photograph.
Happy Father’s Day
I’m glad you like them, Everett. I agree about them being difficult subjects – they sure have been for me.
Stunning bird! We generally have a pair in the yard during the summer. Voices don’t thrill me with their blackbird connections BUT they are beautiful! Wonderful capture of this male…….. 🙂 Would be annoyed in that circumstance tho as the Lazuli Buntings are also gorgeous and rarely seen here… 😉
Judy, there was a bunch of male Lazuli’s in that tree duking it out over territory. I didn’t get any great shots of them but it sure was fun trying.
Well, I think the photos are spectacular… I particularly like the first one. What a magnificent bird!
Thank you, Alison. If they are spectacular it’s the beautiful oriole that makes them so.