Belted Kingfisher

Gallery: AvianPosted March 27, 2010224 views13 comments

Caught this little guy in San Diego back in early January. I have a love hate relationship with these guys. They are so hard to get close to it makes for frustrating oportunities. I liked this one even though it is not tack sharp. He was just coming out of the water so the background is decent and he happend to make a catch on this attempt. I will continue to hunt for oportunities to get my perfect shot but for now I will have to settle for this. Please let me know your thoughts. By the way, you have all been exceedingly helpful with your tips. I have only been a member for a little over a month and I really apreciate all of your help.

Please view larger image. It's much better.
Nikon D300S
200-400mm w/1.4 TC
SS 1/3000
f/5.6
ISO 800
WB auto
Mode Manual
Metering Spot
Tripod/Wimberly

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on March 27, 2010 at 11:50 PM

The larger version is excellent and the thumbnail and smaller version don't do it justice. I like the water trail and the bent fish. It looks a little contrasty - how much of a crop was this?

- Luke

Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on March 27, 2010 at 11:54 PM

You've noted the nits; given how hard Belted Kingfishers are, I think this is very good. The 1200px, particularly.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on March 27, 2010 at 11:55 PM

Luke,
This was at least a 50% crop, maybe more. Nearly impossible to get really close to so crops are the order of the day with them. Thanks for the comment though.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on March 28, 2010 at 12:15 AM

could be sharper, but it's still a cool shot. nice to catch him with prey. if you have the space, I'd take some off the right and add it on the left.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on March 28, 2010 at 8:06 AM

A really good effort here David. These guys are tough. I like the position you caught the bird in, the fish in the beak, and the nice BG. The head is just not quite sharp enough, as you mentioned, and some of the whites are a bit too bright IMO. If you know where one of these guys likes to perch, set up a blind and wait. That is how I have gotten my best shots of this species. Otherwise, no way to get close to them. Cheers.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on March 28, 2010 at 9:42 AM

Good work, David. Been aiming my lens at these guys for a long time. Aim and lose, that is.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Sharon Hallowell on March 28, 2010 at 9:45 AM

Nice flight photo of the kingfisher...would perhaps move him off center if possible.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 392 Posts, 4810 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on March 28, 2010 at 11:04 AM

I know what you mean. They are a frustrating catch and you must have been freekin on getting this one. A shame about the sharpness but still a keeper till the next great one IMO. The position of bird and fish are great

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on March 28, 2010 at 1:02 PM

David,
a very difficult shot well captured.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on March 28, 2010 at 5:37 PM

David,

You've already mentioned the issues I see in this image but I have a healthy appreciation for how difficult it is to get images of this species and think that you did well. Ron B's suggestion of a blind is a good one, I'm going to have to try that soon myself!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 491 Posts, 12566 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lotito on March 28, 2010 at 8:38 PM

Knowing how these guys move this shot is great!

Registered on June 26, 2009, 181 Posts, 1558 Comments

Comment posted by David Haynes on March 28, 2010 at 10:11 PM

Thanks for everyone's comments. The idea of a blind is a great one. I'll have to try that out. He will continue to be my nemisis but it gets me out and at least attempting to photograph these guys. Most of my photo friends have just given up waiting on them and attempting to capture them. For me, the harder it is to get the more I want to get it.

Registered on February 20, 2010, 110 Posts, 1511 Comments

Comment posted by Graham Brown on March 29, 2010 at 4:48 PM

This is a difficult shot to get, a kingfisher in flight sideways on. If the focus had been on the head this would have been terrific but a nice try anyway. Never been able to get anything like this myself. Graham

Registered on November 20, 2007, 275 Posts, 1365 Comments