First Light Kingfisher

Gallery: AvianPosted July 27, 2010203 views18 comments

Mark IV, 800mm, ISO 800, / 1/500th, Wimberly, Natural Light

This photo is the culmination of a number of things that all came together. I set up my blind in the hopes of it. The first rays of sunlight in the morning illuminate the perch but the distant BG remains in deep shadow.

Several mornings I had overcast skies and on others I did not have a cooperative Kingfisher. This particular morning it all came together, and I was lucky enough to have this female arrive at the perfect time. This dynamic high-crested tail-up pose is normally only seen on first arrival to a perch.

She arrived, she posed, the light was perfect.

Please take a moment to view the larger version.

Comments always appreciated.

Comments

18 comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on July 27, 2010 at 7:28 PM

A special image even considering the great kingfisher images you've posted recently Peter. The lighting on the bird with the dark background is great and I just love that pose with both tail and crest up. Exposure looks good as does your comp. Congrats!

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Luke Ormand on July 27, 2010 at 7:49 PM

Killer lighting, excellent detail and I like the change of pace dark BG which really mikes this bird shine.

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

Comment posted by Peter Conway on July 27, 2010 at 7:59 PM

Thank You Ron and Luke.

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the help I got on this image. Since it meant a lot to me, I sent it to Mia prior to posting it here. She made some suggestions on processing and comp. Thank you Mia!

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on July 27, 2010 at 10:05 PM

Way to go Peter, dramatic image. I don't pretend to be the expert, but I wonder about lightening up the closest primary feathers that are in the shadows just a little to achieve a bit more detail there, while still retaining the mystery. One of the best in the series Peter.

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on July 27, 2010 at 11:02 PM

A most effective image Peter.

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Harshad Barve on July 27, 2010 at 11:34 PM

loving the pose , BG and composition , excellent

Registered on July 25, 2010, 39 Posts, 210 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baldwin on July 27, 2010 at 11:52 PM

Phenomenal image Peter ! These birds are so cute and you have captured her magnificently.
--Dan

Registered on July 20, 2010, 3 Posts, 20 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on July 28, 2010 at 12:44 AM

Sheer perfection, Peter. Absolutely wonderful image.

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

Comment posted by KC Choo on July 28, 2010 at 12:56 AM

This is superb, Peter! I wish I could just find a Belted these days!

Registered on November 15, 2004, 519 Posts, 8278 Comments

Comment posted by Mia McPherson on July 28, 2010 at 10:21 AM

Peter

When you sent this image to me by email before you posted it the first words out of my mouth was "Wow". The light is beautiful, the pose is great, and the sharpness and detail are wonderful. I like the dark, natural background here as it sets the KF off great. Glad you posted this.

Excellent image.

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

Comment posted by Peter Conway on July 28, 2010 at 10:58 AM

"but I wonder about lightening up the closest primary feathers that are in the shadows just a little to achieve a bit more detail there"

Thanks Gary, I may take another look, but with this lighting and the very dark BG I don't want to do anything that looks in any way artificial, which probably makes me overly conservative.

"I wish I could just find a Belted these days".

KC, Activity here has really slowed down too. I think it reaches a peak just before and after the juvies emerge. They then get driven off the territory and the feeding needs of the adults decline markedly. I was hoping for some great behavior captures, but an beginning to think I'll have to wait till next year to get what I want.

Registered on June 25, 2007, 347 Posts, 3913 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on July 28, 2010 at 12:12 PM

Sensational image Peter-congrats!

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by David Schoen on July 28, 2010 at 1:36 PM

Really nice color! The body of the kingfisher is perfect. Dark background works well here. I have a lot of these around my house but they won't sit still for me at least this close... Good job.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Pat Sampson on July 28, 2010 at 6:32 PM

Love this Peter. Light, perch, pose, detail, bg and whites mgt. are perfect for my tastes. The feather detail on the head is particular impressive. Congratulations on this. Beautiful kingfisher image.

Pat

Registered on May 19, 2007, 953 Posts, 15989 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on July 29, 2010 at 2:31 AM

Another awesome photo Peter

Ken Archer

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

Comment posted by May Haga on July 29, 2010 at 11:01 AM

Excellent Peter. Love the perky little tail and alert pose.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Christine Adams on July 29, 2010 at 8:40 PM

I'm glad you mentioned the larger version. The light took my breath away!! Outstanding image!

Registered on January 24, 2006, 119 Posts, 1871 Comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on July 29, 2010 at 8:46 PM

Gorgeous shot Peter!!

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments