For me a “nemesis bird” is a species I haven’t been able to get any (or very few) decent photos of. Recently I had some luck with two of them in that category.
1/3200, f/5.6, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
I see Belted Kingfishers occasionally but they’re so darned skittish that I can never get close enough to them for acceptable images. But six days ago at Farmington Bay this female was so intent on fishing a small creek that she forgot to fly off as I approached in my pickup. I’d like to have been a little closer still but I should be grateful for the opportunity she did give me – enough time for about a half-dozen shots.
When she took off she gave me an excellent chance at a top-drawer flight shot. She launched to my left which would have given me good light on the bird, I was the right distance away for a flight shot, I had enough shutter speed for those rapidly moving wings and the background was a good one to isolate the bird.
But a millisecond before she launched I took my finger off the shutter button to make a camera adjustment so I missed the shot. I’m not likely to have another chance like that anytime soon.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 400, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Despite being the most abundant and widely distributed rail in North America the Sora is more often heard than seen and until recently I had no photos of them out in the open. But earlier this month I found this one swimming in a small private pond next to the South Road in the Centennial Valley as it foraged for food. It was midafternoon so the light was less than ideal but I was happy to get a few clear shots of the bird with good detail and in a natural setting.
Neither of these images is in the “awesome” category but when it comes to nemesis birds it’s my philosophy that small victories are infinitely preferable to no victories at all.
Ron
Note: Sorry about the late post today. “Technical difficulties” raised their ugly head again…
I did not even know rails swam. I have only seen tbem in the water amongst the reeds.
Thank you!
I didn’t know that either, Marsha, so when I was preparing this post I looked it up. Here’s what BNA Online has to say about it:
“Readily swims and dives (Ripley 1977). Sometimes submerges with only bill and eyes protruding.”
I really like both of these shots. I did not realize that Kingfishers were so easily spooked. The last one I saw at Hueco Tanks (last place you’d expect to see them) was flying back and forth over a dam with a pond behind it when we had a group of people up on the rocks next to the dam. We were not quiet, yet the bird did not seem disturbed by us. I didn’t get any photos, but was able to watch it.
“I did not realize that Kingfishers were so easily spooked”
In my experience, they are, Susan. But there are always individual birds that will break the mold. I just wish I could find them more often! Thank you.
Small victories are always welcome.
And these wouldn’t fall into the ‘small’ category over here. Somedays having a cup of tea without spilling it on myself is a victory.
Both your Kingfisher and the Sora are exotic to me – so as always, many thanks.
Thank you, EC. Good luck with the tea stains! 🙂
“but when it comes to nemesis birds it’s my philosophy that small victories are infinitely preferable to no victories at all.”
As they say one in the hand is worth two in the bush
I always enjoy your photos & reading the comments because they typically mentioned something I overlooked
Thanks as always for sharing
The kingfishers are hard to get. When they do hold still here they are too far away on a power line! I have not heard of a Sora. Glad to see good shots of both birds. 🙂
Judy
Judy, Soras are common in much of the US but they’re seldom seen.
I was lucky enough to get some decent shots of a kingfisher earlier this spring. She was too busy working on a pellet to realize she was being watched! My wife and I always think their call is them laughing at us as they fly to the opposite side of the pond!
Jeff, I hope you got the kingfisher casting the pellet. I’d love to get that shot…
“These two are the nemis of a lot a photographers”
Charlotte’s comment is very true. My fortune (?) for a good flight shot of either bird.
Dave, Sora’s are reluctant to fly and difficult to flush which makes me think that flight shots of them might be extremely rare or even nonexistent. I’ll probably do an image search later today and find out…
Just checked my database. I have 143 shots of Sora in the open, none in flight. But I have seen them make short flights from one region to another … just haven’t captured thats action..
Wow, 143 Sora out in the open. I’m impressed. And jealous.
I just did a quick search for Sora in flight. Found one…
I live near the Russian River in northern California and see Kingfishers fairly often. They make a loud clattering sound as they fly – not at all melodious but distinctive! I only saw a Sora once, years ago, through a spotting scope thanks to an alert birder who saw the bird in the rushes at the edge of a pond and the whole group got to see it. Great shots, I like the natural “poses,” light and settings very much.
Thank you, Betsy.
Soras are hard to find out in a photo opportunity but those kingfishers….. They sit so prettily until I point a camera at them and then they are gone. Glad you bagged them.
Me too, Marilyn. Hope you enjoyed your trip to Glacier NP.
I love the energy of the Kingfisher – such a personage. Congratulations!
Thank you, Alison.
I have had the pleasure of watching a male Belted Kingfisher on a bayou near my mother’s home. I had no camera (it was long before cellphones). It was a very enjoyable time for me. I liked the Sora. It’s a new-to-me bird.
Kingfishers are sassy birds, Arwen – I like their attitude.
Hey Ron, I’ll take your posts any time I can get them. Besides, we all know things happen. As for your 2 Nemesis birds, the feeling you must have gotten when you were able to capture any type of photo must still give you that great warm fuzzy feeling!! These are special photos to me because I’ve never seen either and you’ve given me the opportunity to enjoy them thru your wonderful captures. Hope those pesky tech difficulties didn’t ruin your day!!
They ruined my morning, Jo Ann, but hopefully the rest of the day will improve. Thank you.
These two are the nemis of a lot a photographers. These are great shots Ron, what a thrill to have gotten them. Thanks for sharing them.
Charlotte
“These two are the nemis of a lot a photographers”
You’re absolutely right about that, Charlotte. Thank you.
Kingfishers are interesting birds. Your shot is much better then the pic I took of one last year. I have never seen a Sora. What a beauty. A little bit of a glare on the water, but a wonderful shot of the bird.
Thanks, Jean. That glare on the water was at least partly due to the time of day.