Last year, I tried to photograph the kingfishers with a wide-angle lens. I had the camera mounted on a tripod in the water and sat under a camocloth with the remote in my hand. Unfortunately, the chicks had fledged the day before and 4 (!) of them sat on a branch not far from my position. With the camera in the water, all I could do was smile and enjoy the unique view.This year, I knew for sure that the chicks were still in the nest. So again I positioned the camera in the water, very close to the favorite perch of the male.
It did not take long before he landed exactly where I wanted. The shutterclicks did not bother him at all. Between visits, I could even rearrange the setup for different results. In the end, I liked this one best, with the male perpendicular to the lens and a good sense of the habitat in the background.
It’s all over for this year, hopefully new chances next year. Although I love harsh winters for my own photography, it is literally killing for the kingfisher population. I hope several chicks from this years broods will survive and use the same nesting wall again next spring. ‘Till then, my freshwater gems!
Common Kingfisher; Canon 1D Mark III w. 17-40/4 L; 1/30s at F8 and ISO800; Tripod and remote.
2 Comments
Hi,
The bird is looking so cute, we can enjoy the wild life with family and friends. Wildlife photographer always have biggest journey of his life as he embarks on a professional photography career. Thanks a lot.
What a great idea! Great to see this bird in his natural environment. I really admire your work and style!