Pic of the Day

Marsh Wren, Cistothorus palustris: Ouray National Wildlife Refuge

   On my trip west this year I stopped at Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in eastern Utah.  Ouray is quite out of the way, but well worth the effort to reach.  Ouray, like most wildlife refuges were created to host wintering and migrating waterfowl, but many species migrate through and nest on the refuge.

     I shot this marsh wren in early June.  Spring arrived a little late in Utah this year, and this fellow was just beginning to nest.  He proudly flew among his favorite perches singing his territorial song.  I parked my van near one of the marsh wren’s perches which allowed me to get these shots as he sang his heart out. 

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500 f4

Top image:  1/1250th second @ f7.1

Bottom image:  1/1600th Second @ f7.1