I almost never get an unobstructed view of a warbler. Most of the time I see them flitting about in the foliage, making it difficult to get a clear shot of one. If I am lucky, I manage to capture an image, like the final one, when the warbler pokes its head out of the brush for a moment.
Last Wednesday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I was shocked and delighted when I was able to take a series of unobstructed shots of a Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata) as it was feeding on some poison ivy berries. The first three images shows some moments from that encounter.
As I look at these four images, I am strangely drawn most to the final one. Despite the clutter of the branches in that shot, the warbler stand out—the branches serve as a kind of frame for the central subject. Now I really do like the way that the first two images capture the action of the bird and the way the third shot provides the best view of the perching warbler, but someone the environmental shot appeals to me most this morning as I am composing this posting. What do you think?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I totally agree with you. The first few photos are beautiful with the blurred reddish backgrounds but they have a more formal look to them. Almost like the bird sat for a portrait. The last photo is a more natural setting that lends authenticity to the photo and the bird. I also like the brightness which gives it and the bird a lighter mood. But I do love that the first photo shows a seed in the bird’s beak.
Thanks, Ann, for your feedback. You have done a great job in explaining the different “feel” of each photo. At some moments the first photo is my favorite–I love the seed/berry in the mouth, the tilted body, and the unruly head feathers. My mood often plays a role in judging my own photos. 🙂
Nice series of warblers Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
nice