Watchful Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
For a few moments yesterday morning I was absolutely enchanted by a small flock of Ruby-crowned Kinglets in Box Elder County in northern Utah. One lone tree seemed to be dripping with these tiny, hyper olive-green birds and I was able to photograph a few of them on it.
I enjoyed how the little dynamo perched out in the open and the fact that for several seconds it stayed still.
Migrating Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though the kinglet stayed on the same perch it gave me several different poses which gave me great views of its feet, legs, body, head, and eyes.
Back view of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
And when the kinglet turned it also gave me a wonderful view of its back plus the patterns and colors of its folded wings. Soon after I took this photo this kinglet took off.
Because of the orange-red gape I suspect that this particular Ruby-crowned Kinglet shown in the first three photos might be a first fall bird.
Fall Ruby-crowned Kinglet – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I found Ruby-crowned Kinglets in other trees yesterday too and some gave me good views of them while others were nearly hidden in the leaves. Not only are these tiny birds hard to spot they are even harder to point out to other people because they blend into their habitat so well and kinglets move so quickly.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet in mid-morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was delighted to have these Ruby-crowned Kinglets in my viewfinder again because I think they are beautiful little birds and they are a challenge to photograph.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet lifting off – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I was able to photograph this little kinglet just as it raised its wings to lift off from one of the top branches of a tree.
After taking images of the Ruby-crowned Kinglets I found more birds to photograph but those will have to wait to be shared on another day.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Spectacular photographs of a very difficult subject!
Thank you for sharing.
I am enchanted by them too. As always, many thanks.
Very good captures of this pretty bird, Mia!
Beautiful series, Mia
Great shots! You were fortunate that this kinglet posed for you, what fun!
Thank you,I enjoy all of your post.
How lucky for you to have a little Ruby-crowned Kinglet stay still long enough to photograph it. Beautiful photos as usual.