A classic kingfisher fishing posture on a typical fishing perch.
1/4000, 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
This male is one of the Belted Kingfishers I photographed over several weeks last spring and early summer in the Wasatch Mountains. Here he’s actively watching for fish in the pond below him.
Like most photos this one has strengths and weaknesses. I’m not particularly fond of the shadows on his tail and wingtips but I like the background bokeh and colors, the kingfisher is sharp throughout and I have good light on the bird. Overall I like the image very much.
My camera settings were meant to give me plenty of shutter speed and sufficient depth of field for a diving takeoff shot but that didn’t pan out.
A vertical composition of the same image if you prefer. In this version we lose much of the perch as it sweeps all the way to the lower right corner of the frame but it makes the kingfisher larger in the frame and provides more detail. Personally I prefer the vertical but I do miss that sweeping perch, in part because it’s sharp all the way to the edge of the frame.
I chose to post this photo today for a reason. I love the background bokeh I typically get from my 500mm f/4 lens as seen in this photo. But as I mentioned yesterday it’s looking like that lens will be in the shop for a while to have its electrical contacts (and possibly its mounting ring) replaced. If that happens I’ll be using my smaller 100-400 zoom lens in the interim and the bokeh produced by that smaller lens is significantly less pleasing.
I wanted to be reminded of what I’d be missing.
Ron
What the heck, he’s on the wrong branch😉 Still lookin’ sharp, though. I’d go local for the repair. The shipping container and charges for that lens has to be in wazoo territory.
It IS in the wazoo territory Lyle. I’ve shipped it to Canon in the past and it wasn’t cheap especially when you include insurance. Thankfully a very sturdy case came with the lens when I bought it so a shipping container isn’t necessary.
Most of the time I can only find Kingfishers posing on the ubiquitous utility line. So, I love your image if for no other reason than to prove they actually perch on something natural once in awhile.
I tend to favor the wider view just a bit as I know he’s about to fling himself into the pond and this view helps me imagine that.
Wonderful photograph, Ron! The colors, texture, composition, catch-light – fabulous.
Fingers crossed for your camera’s trip to the doctor.
Thank you, Wally. Thankfully there aren’t any utility lines in this area.
Such a handsome lad! I just love the incongruity of his little head and the large, long bill. But he surely knows how to use it to advantage. Pity the fish in his sights!
Good luck with the camera fix — may the Canon gods look upon you with great favor and ensure its proper repair and prompt return. 🤞
Thanks, Chris. I’m afraid the Canon gods always look at me with a jaundiced eye.
I do hope your camera is returned (with a clean bill of health) quickly. I hope it for you, I hope it for me.
I look forward to seeing more kingfishers in the fullness of time too.
Thanks, EC. I’ll have to get very lucky to find kingfishers this year that were as cooperative as this guy was.
Lots of hoping sent your way; for speedy return of your gear, the return of the kingfisher and the tree still standing!
I’ll take all three. Thanks, April.
I hope you get some time with him or his kin this year — even with the other lens. Thanks to you, I have come to really enjoy these birds.
I hope so too, Marty. I checked this spot a few days ago but alas, no kingfishers.
I’m sure there are plenty of photos to remind you of how good the 500 is and have you pining for it… 😉 Hopefully it won’t take TOO long – TOO long being relative of course….. Kingfishers are ALWAYS a bonus given the challenges they present.
Wind still off/on howling and not enough precip at this point to amount to anything. See Cut Bank is getting some snow tho also the wind……. 🙁
It always takes longer than you expect it to, Judy – especially when you send it to Canon. I’m not known for my patience with anything but the birds themselves… 🙂
Always enjoy your photos of these very tough to photography guys and gals. 98% of the time they fly off before I can get a photo. I am actually shocked when one sits there for a photo. It must be so focused on something it intends to dive for that it is not aware of my presence.
Hope you get your camera back soon.
I hope I do too, Everett – assuming I send it to Canon instead of having it worked on locally. I need to make that decision today.
I think kingfishers are always aware of our presence.
In my opinion, Ron, the kingfisher is one of the species most difficult to approach to get a decent picture. I would be very proud to take such a beautiful photo. Have a great day!
Thanks, Laval. And I agree with “your opinion”. Kingfishers are nearly always tough subjects.