With the sun behind this bird, it may be hard to discern the species. But birders use other clues to identify birds when conditions prevent seeing the bird directly.
When I cleared a hill on a gravel road, I didn’t spot this Eastern Kingbird right away. I stopped my vehicle as smoothly as I could without skidding on the loose gravel.
First, I noted the bird’s size. Secondly, its posture was distinctive for an Eastern Kingbird. In addition, the habitat was right for this species. Eastern Kingbirds love open, weedy fields, which were behind the bird, with trees nearby, which were on the east side of the road.
The white feathers at the tip of its tail were another field mark. When you are birding, you have to take the shots you are given and be happy with that.
As a photographer, I was happy with the composition of this shot, despite the strong backlighting.
© Bruce Stambaugh 2026
Roadkill Crossing 
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