In the Bay Area, we’re lucky to have the Yellow-rumped Warbler as a year-round companion. Whether they are flitting through the oaks in Fremont or foraging along the shoreline, these “Butter-butts” are a constant, charismatic subject for any local bird photographer.

Capturing these birds requires patience and a fast shutter finger. They rarely sit still for more than a second, making them the ultimate test for any autofocus system.

  • Setup: These shots were taken using the Sony A7V/Sony A9II paired with the 200-600mm and a 1.4x extender.

  • The 840mm Advantage: Having that extra reach is essential for filling the frame without encroaching on their space, allowing for more natural behavior and tack-sharp detail on those intricate feathers.

Whether in their subtle winter tones or their bold breeding colors, there’s never a bad time to point a lens at these resilient little warblers.

I recently spent some time tracking their frantic movements to capture their distinct personality. Here are a few favorite frames from the field over the past 2 years.