Western Kingbird up closeWestern Kingbird up close – Nikon D7100, f9, 1/800, ISO 500, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm, natural light, not called, baited or set up

Three days ago I was caught off guard when this Western Kingbird flew in and hovered up close to me, almost too close actually.  I clipped the tail and both wing tips even though I had backed up my zoom when I saw the kingbird flying my direction. Some of the shots in the series of images I took of it were blurry nightmares but with this one my focus locked on the bird’s face. I wish the entire bird were in focus but even at f9 I didn’t have enough depth of field to obtain that focus and sharpness. My minimum focusing distance with my lens is around 7 feet and if this kingbird had been any closer it would have all been a blur.

The Western Kingbirds I have been photographing don’t seem to be predictable in their actions although there are a few of their behaviors I can predict most of the time I am not sure which way they will fly, whether they will hover or if they will face me when they take off or land.

I guess I just need to observe and photograph them more!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Western Kingbird photos plus facts and information about this species.