Ruby-crowned Kinglet perched in front of a dark background – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, -1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This time of the year Ruby-crowned Kinglets are on the move and I find them foraging in shrubs, bushes and trees but I don’t often get decent images of them because they move so quickly. Just about the time I can get focused on them, they fly off to another location. That makes this species a touch frustrating to photograph but I enjoy the challenge and I love seeing these tiny dynamos whether I get photos of them or not.
There are times I hear the calls of Ruby-crowned Kinglets before I see them and that helps me to locate these small, elusive birds. I rarely hear their songs but that might be because in some of the places where I photograph this species they are just moving through instead of being of areas where they actually breed and nest. Ruby-crowned Kinglets do breed in the mountainous areas of Utah though and I’d be elated to find a nesting pair to observe and photograph.
I photographed this Ruby-crowned Kinglet in May of 2018 in Box Elder County, Utah in an area with a freshwater seep at the base of a mountain range that attracts all kinds of migrating birds. The kinglet was perched on a curved branch over the seep and the shadows under the shrubs behind the seep are what created the dark background. The kinglet stayed long enough for me to take about a dozen photos of it before it flew off.
I haven’t had any real opportunities with Ruby-crowned Kinglets so far this season but when I get out into the field I am always listening for their calls and searching for them. I know that I have to be alert, paying attention and fast when it comes to photographing Ruby-crowned Kinglets or they will make the statement “she/he who hesitates is lost” a reality.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos plus facts and information about this species.
STUNNING photo. I adore the light, which sets off this pint-sized charmer so very well.
The curved branch which seems to almost cradle the kinglet makes the shot for me. I also like the little wisp of web right behind his ankle. Getting such great composition, light on the bird, etc. and doing it so fast — really hits home just how skilled you are as a photographer. 🙂
So good to see these wonderful images when we’re not able to get out to our usual hiking trails. Thank you!
Wonderful image…as usual, nice composition snd interesting information…
They are hard to photograph. I see them in St George area more than here in Salt Lake. They are usually in the junipers and stream willows around lakes or streams. They forage deep in the junipers where there it is dense an not much light.
So lucky for you to get great photos of the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. I have yet to photograph one because, as you said, by the time you get focused with the camera, they are gone.