My wife and I stalked this bird along the shore of a bay and it lost us. As we moved from dock to dock, it flew right up to the truck and we were able to get some decent photos.
Good light and pose, Paul. Heavy perch is not ideal but little choice when the bird dictates the location. Cropping in a little more from top and left may be an option. Selectively lightening the shaded area of breast may also be worth a try.
Sharp with a nice head angle and a good EXP. Light angle is off a bit but is not problematic. The perch is too big for the bird and there is too much sky.
If both you and the bird frequent the area you can try taping a pleasing perch to the piling. The bird will most likely land on your perch pretty quickly.
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I think it's incredibly thrilling to get an image of a Belted Kingfisher but I agree with Arthur re the perch. And I wonder if the AF latched on the trunk instead of the bird and just put the latter's head OOF a bit. Great pose. JR
Big perch or not, I'd love to have this in my collection...I've never been that close to a kingfischer. Great details and nice look, as if he posing just for you.
Thanks for all the feedback. I love the idea of adding a perch, but the pole is tall, in the water, and my rock climbing skills ain't what they were 25 years and 25 (OK, 35) pounds ago. I'll keep that in mind, though, for a place where I can do it.