Nature photographers capture rare and beautiful moments in nature. By freezing a single moment in time, they create stunning images that show how amazing nature is. Thanks to social media, we can see these amazing photos anytime. One such photo comes from the Instagram account @nature, which shared images by photographer Kathrin Swoboda. In these pictures, a bird is singing while its breath is visible, a unique sight that you can’t see on a simple hike. Read on to learn more!
Male Red-winged blackbird in flight.
©JoshCW Photo/Shutterstock.com
About the Images
The photos linked above were taken in 2019 by Kathrin Swoboda in Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, Virginia. Taken on a chilly March morning, the photos show a red-winged blackbird calling out with vapors of its breath floating in the wind. The condensed water vapor creates an amazing wispy cloud. These clouds seem to take shape based on the type of call the bird makes. The last photo shows small rings of vapor, shapes that reflect the chirps and calls the bird is making. The lighting in the photo creates a beautiful color palette, with the bird’s dark feathers contrasting against the morning sunlight reflecting off the vapor. This beautiful photo won Swoboda the 2019 Audubon Photography Awards grand prize, a well-deserved honor.
Can You Normally See Birds’ Breath?
In short, you can see their breath, but certain environmental conditions need to be met! Just like how you can see your own breath, birds also exhale warm air from their lungs. When this warm air meets the cooler outside air, the water vapor condenses, becoming visible. This phenomenon most commonly occurs at temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The more humid the air, the easier it is for condensation to occur. Since many birds make their routine calls in the early morning, you would have to rise quite early to witness this. So, while we often see our own breath during the cold winter months, it’s not as common to see it in birds. However, with enough planning and a bit of luck, you might be able to capture your own amazing photos!
