Low light Ruby-crowned Kinglet with prey – Nikon D500, f6.3, 1/320, ISO 1000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Yesterday morning I spent some time high in the Wasatch Mountains and came home with a few Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos that I liked enough to share. This photo of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet with prey was taken in low light but I liked that the tiny bird had prey in its bill.
The temp was around 31°F when I took this image at 7:53 am. Some clouds and fog were blocking out most of the best morning light.
Spring snow, fog and Old Man Winter
Spring snow and fog high in the Wasatch Mountains – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 1000, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
This photo taken at 8:21 am shows an area of the mountains less than 1000 feet higher in elevation than where I sat in my Jeep. Old man Winter’s presence was still evident at the higher elevations. The thick fog lifted later than I expected. I still enjoyed the mountains views, the quiet and despite the cold temps I was snug and warm in my Jeep.
Male Ruby-crowned Kinglet showing his ruby crown – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
By 9:36 am the fog and the clouds had dissipated which meant the light was better. At that time I was able to take photos of a male Ruby-crowned Kinglet in good light as he flashed his ruby colored crown at another nearby kinglet. I wish there weren’t a shadow from a nearby branch on his shoulder above his wings. In a willow thicket there are times when shadows on my subjects simply can’t be avoided.
The roads were muddy and my Jeep is a sloppy mess but I enjoyed every second I spent high in the mountains yesterday. My journey into the high country was exactly what I needed.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos plus facts and information about this species.
The Kinglet pics are extraordinary esp., #3. I keep looking at it and still can’t believe the color and detail you captured. In a word …Wow! The snowy landscape pic is terrific but also a bittersweet reminder of what we missed this winter. Tough year. Thanks Mia.
Now that is a wonderful, wonderful start to the day.
Just beautiful – the kinglets and those snowy mountains!
Fantastic shots of the kinglets! It must have been such a treat to get up into the cool, clean air of the mountains!
Good work! By being patient, you ended up getting a very nice picture of a cute little bird. I wonder how often you have to wash your car.