Wrens, in general, are the beautiful crooners of the groundscape. The species is often the loud crier in your backyard. Until last week I had seen, and heard, all of the US Wrens except the Canyon Wren. I guess there is truth to the best is often the last.

Early in the morning of the lunar eclipse, while standing at 7,900 feet at the top of Coronado Monument, I was surprised by a loud bird screaming into the parking lot. Turning towards the sound, I spied a bird on top of the pit toilets vociferously scolding the photographers at the overlook. Apparently, we had encroached on its domain. It quickly flew off and I, just as quickly, followed. I located the bird on the side of a cliff, precariously walking the face. It looked like a wren, but not one I had seen or could identify. The sun was right, and the bird was posing so I took my shot. It was not until I returned home and looked at the photos that I realized I had found a Canyon Wren. Between its song and appearance, it is now my favorite wren. I look forward to our next encounter.

Canyon Wrens are unique in that their low center of gravity, large feet, and unusual head position allow them to walk on the side of the cliff faces where they live. They are also not known to drink water, getting all their hydration from their diet.
Shoot Date: January 31, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Aperture priority ¹⁄₈₀₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 400