EARLY Bird

Gallery: AvianPosted March 28, 2014110 views10 comments

Belted Kingfisher looking to secure the morning meal. The wind is low and sounds of nature can be appreciated at this early time of day!
The Kingfisher announces it's presence with a unique rattling voice over the morning stillness. Sun has just appeared giving the bright warm glow onto leafy treed backdrop . This is my time of day to be appreciated fully! The pond has small fish swimming and can easily be seen by this kingfisher as it's leaning perch is directly over the small pond. It's alertness is evident with its Stand-Up head dress as it sees water movement where the small fish surfaced to collect small water bugs.

C&C Appreciated.

Large Version has excellent detail

Fuji S5 pro camera
Nikon lens 200-400 vr f4 Taken @ 400mm (x 1.5 sensor =600mm +-)
Early morning, Minimal crop to straighten
Image was captured using Jpg ( now use RAW)
Speed 1/200, F5.6, ISO 200
Manual metering, no compensation
Manfrotto tripod, JOBO Wimberly style head,

Wild, Not baited or called in

Bill

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on March 28, 2014 at 2:22 PM

Bill: A nice capture of a difficult bird. Nice that the beak didn't merge with the perch. Larger version is very nice for details, but I'd tone down the green signature. Love the background on the image.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Allen Brooks on March 28, 2014 at 4:13 PM

I've found Kingfishers to be rather elusive birds to photograph close up, so very job here. Nice perch and background. Nice pose, head turn and catch light.

Registered on July 27, 2011, 262 Posts, 2597 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Cloran on March 28, 2014 at 4:41 PM

Just enough of a head turn to make it all work. Excellent techs and great detail.

Registered on April 6, 2004, 119 Posts, 1989 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on March 28, 2014 at 7:21 PM

Good work! No real nits, except possibly the fluorescent signature!

I also liked your write-up, except this is a female.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on March 28, 2014 at 7:45 PM

Beautiful image, Bill, and I agree completely with your feeling for the early morning-best time of day.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on March 29, 2014 at 12:05 AM

A Sweet One Bill

Nice pose and background, excellent detailstoo, I like the early morning feel of this image.

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Watkins on March 29, 2014 at 3:17 AM

Bill,
Got to love the crest on this, wonderful capture

Registered on December 15, 2010, 1537 Posts, 4877 Comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on March 29, 2014 at 7:01 AM

I particularly like the pose with it's back turned towards you, while still being able to see the eye and face. Give the image some 'spying' quality ! Well done,

, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on March 29, 2014 at 3:45 PM

Very nice shot. This bird has been elusive for me. I'd certainly like a shot this good. The slightest head turn to the right would have been nice and would have removed the shadow from the tip of the beak but stilll very sweet shot as it is.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on March 31, 2014 at 4:07 PM

Sorry about the Overpowering Signature & colour;

Yes a Female Kingfisher!

The mornings for me are Very Special... just before dawn contains special energy,..... If I wake to see that it’s light out already, I feel the world has started without me!

During my time spent observing these Kingfishers, I have learned much and will share with you over the next weeks some of my Observations & Findings through Photographs captured!

Thanks for the Feedback everyone!

Bill
www.BillBickle.com

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments