Phainopepla with mistletoe berry at Agua Caliente

This Phainopepla poses with a mistletoe berry in its mouth. These sleek birds are found in mistletoe-infected trees in the desert and in the oak woodlands of southern California.

I love photographing these birds. Photographing solid black birds in the sun is always challenging, but getting the shiny plumage highlights to show is a pleasing accomplishment.

Phainopepla with mistletoe berry. April 28, 2019. Agua Caliente.