Blue-Gray GnatcatcherApril 24, 2008
 



The blue-gray gnatcatcher resides within the family Sylviidae, which includes kinglets. They're all tiny birds, although the gnatcatcher is a tad larger than a kinglet.

My first-time-ever view of a gnatcatcher is one of my most typical first views of any perching bird: it's bottom. (Why is that? I dunno. Shy birds?)
 

blue-gray gnatcatcher rear
 
  The blue-gray gnatcatcher was rapidly flitting from perch to perch; I don't think I ever had more misses in terms of photography. At last I got lucky.
 
blue-gnat catcher
 
  Well, somewhat lucky. The gnatcatcher was moving from shadow to sun and trying to change settings while trying to focus was rough.

The final photo shows the blue-gray's colors better, although the shadows are somewhat severe.

 
blue-gray gnatcatcher
 

What's surprising in terms of bird names is that the blue-gray gnatcatcher is truly blue-gray.

Photo note: I used a Pentax *ist D, with the SMC 1000mm reflex lens, on April 15, 2008.




My Pennsylvania bird list

Look Out!   |   Contact