I’ve been looking for kingfishers in many areas for the last few months with no luck getting close enough but yesterday I finally found one that cooperated, if only for a for a few moments.
1/8000, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Most of the time this male was far too distant for any decent photos or he landed in a tree where he was almost completely obstructed by branches (that’s the kingfisher way, ya know…). But this time he landed where I had a clear view of him and I actually like the background. He only faced me for a few seconds and this is the only shot I got with his tail up instead of down behind the perch and other branches.
- When he landed here with his white belly and neck against the dark background my shutter speed skyrocketed. But I’m glad I didn’t take the time to change my settings because I’d probably have missed this shot.
1/6400, f/6.3, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
When he began to turn on the perch to face away from me I got lucky again with this single shot with his tail held high enough that it wasn’t partially obstructed by the perch. The tail partly hidden behind the perch wouldn’t be a huge deal but I prefer to see the entire bird.
There was some real excitement when an accipiter (probably a Cooper’s Hawk but it could have been a Sharp-shinned) swooped in and the kingfisher raised holy hell about it. Man he was loud! I just caught the action out of the corner of my eye and it was so fast and furious I couldn’t tell for sure who was chasing who but I had the definite impression that the kingfisher was the aggressor. He stayed and the hawk vamoosed.
An interesting twist on the more typical scenario.
Ron
Perfect shots!
Fabulous shots! The background is the perfect complement to the b&w of the Kingfisher. I especially like the little peek at the striped tail feathers — and, of course, the image you’ve painted of the chase.
Glad your first day back out in a while got you this kind of success! Woo Hoo! 😄
Thanks, Marty. Yes, it was good to get out again!
You are lucky to find another. Such attractive birds. They are never close enough for photos for me so I just watch the behavior. I swear birds know my focal length!
April, no matter one’s focal length they seem to know what it is and stay just outside its range for quality photos. I wasn’t particularly close to this bird either.
He’s beautiful!
Agreed, Shelley.
Kingfishers are kings for a reason. 😀
Yup.
They have huge eyes and two fovea (also true of hummingbirds and ~55% of bird species) – they can see further and because of the retina and eye placement they can see wider than the human or the best camera and they don’t want to be seen by us.
So you done good. The only success I’ve had with these is with juveniles.
Interesting info on their eyes, Martha. Thanks.
My favorite bird.
🙂
Ron – good to see you getting out there. I have a love hate relationship with these guys and gals. Love them, but hate that 90% of the time I think I have a shot at one they are gone. I use a super-zoom bridge camera so I have to get closer than you do, and it is so frustrating to think you’ve got a shot and then they realize you are there and zoom – off they go. So elusive and so quick, and yes, even if they get in a tree or shrub and stay for a few minutes they are buried somewhere in the foliage. Over the years I have had two or three experiences where on is sitting on a branch somewhat oblivious to my presence and I get some good shots, but it is rare. These are beautiful shots of a beautiful bird.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
Thanks, Everett. With very few exceptions it’s been rare for me too over the years.
This guy is gorgeous! I love the “hairdo” on Kingfishers, and the attitude this one shows. They are definitely loud. If this guy chased away the Hawk, that just makes everything better. Thank you for starting my day with a big smile.
I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, Susan. And the way the skirmish turned out…
Attempting to get a photo of an illusive Kingfisher is always a challenge. Congratulations on this lovely series. I have never seen so much feather detail on a Kingfisher. Amazing!! And even though the encounter with the hawk was not captured with your camera, you related the adventure with your usual aplomb.
Melanie, I didn’t have a chance in hell of photographing that encounter. Even my eyes couldn’t keep up with it, much less my lens.
A perfect photo shot of the Kingfisher; and by the looks of the branch it’s resting on, it’s a well used parking spot!
Good eye, Donald. Yes, I would be surprised if they haven’t been using that perch for some time.
GREAT shots, Ron! 🙂 Background really suits the Kingfisher in these shots… I was surprised to hear on here a few days back screaming through the yard – bit late for them. Know they can be very aggressive and “talk” to many things tho I’ve never seen one take on a hawk – would have been interesting. Glad you got out yesterday and were rewarded… 😉 Snowing here this morning.
Some of them actually overwinter here if it isn’t too cold. Thanks, Judy.
Wonderful shots Ron of this usually very frustrating species to shoot!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
Terrific captures. How lucky were you to get a color matching background !!! ❤️ They are such a uniquely looking bird with a big attitude and a big voice to reckon with! Got my first photos of two this past August…sat for a few hours but smiled for a week. 😍
I know that smile, Kathy. It’s pretty darned rewarding when things finally work out with kingfishers.