My Nemesis Bird - Belted Kingfisher in Flight

[Marina Scarr]

For some reason, kingfishers don't sit still for me and don't ever fly near me. I have been trying for several years, and this is the best I have managed so far. Already a big crop and didn't want to lose even more quality by cropping even more.

I was photographing Wood Storks at a rookery from a boat when all of a sudden this little guy began hovering and diving...close yet too far b/c they are so darn little and fast! Didn't have much lens but did the best I could.

Canon 1D3, Canon 300L F4 & 1.4 @ 420mm
F8, 1/2000sec, ISO 400, manual mode
Hand held

Thanks for looking. If at first you don't succeed....

[Loi Nguyen]

Marina, it's a beautiful bird, congrats for getting this shot. Yes, they are small and very fast. I like the comp and the great exposure that shows the underside wings well. Hopefully, next time you will have your big lens with you and the bird will come close!

[Don Jacobs]

Marina,

Very nice shot. I was so happy to just a picture of one of these guys just the other day. I couldn't get even as close as you did. Very nice exposure and wing position. IMHO:)

[Jeannean Ryman]

Yes, they are fast little buggers! You got a wonderful position and catchlight in this female Belted Kingfisher. Exposure is good as well. Hopefully, you'll get many more chances!

[Faraaz Abdool]

I think you did handsomely with this girl, Marina. Aside from IQ issues - it's pretty much a perfect shot. Love the spread wings - looks like you had to add some fill light to it in post?

[Marina Scarr]

looks like you had to add some fill light to it in post?

Thank you for your comments, Faraaz. I am happy to report that the eye is completely natural.

[Faraaz Abdool]

Oh yes Marina - the eye is lovely. I had meant fill light to the underwing. But looking at it again, it doesn't seem so. So you can disregard the original question!

[Sandy Witvoet]

Woot Woot! I've gotten a couple of these Girls sitting on posts or in trees.... BORING! This is Great in-flight, beautiful wing position, eye catch and feeling of their freedom.... Love it!