Camera shy kingfishers

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Joe B

Joe B

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Alright y'all, I have a growing amount of respect for the photographers that snag some of those really cool kingfisher shots. Those critters do not like you being close. I've finally found a place where I can set up a blind for next time, but I was trying my luck from the canoe today. I can't decide if I like this shot or not. It would be a lot better if that one bit of foliage hadn't drifted in front of the bird as I took the shot, but I kind of like the look of being surrounded by the branches. Thoughts? Has anyone gotten a similar framing in the branches kind of shot that they've liked?

I did get one other that was (mostly) in focus and unobstructed, but still had to crop in really heavily. One day...

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I know what you're talking about. Equipment is what it is. I'm working on focus technique and speed vs ISO as detailed in Steve's BIF presentation. And a dose of Good Luck!
 
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Joe B said:
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Alright y'all, I have a growing amount of respect for the photographers that snag some of those really cool kingfisher shots. Those critters do not like you being close. I've finally found a place where I can set up a blind for next time, but I was trying my luck from the canoe today. I can't decide if I like this shot or not. It would be a lot better if that one bit of foliage hadn't drifted in front of the bird as I took the shot, but I kind of like the look of being surrounded by the branches. Thoughts? Has anyone gotten a similar framing in the branches kind of shot that they've liked?

I did get one other that was (mostly) in focus and unobstructed, but still had to crop in really heavily. One day...

View attachment 24070
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Joe, I feel your pain with these little guys😩
 
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I find that by scouting and observing localized behavior I am to better position myself and predict their habits. I have found some of my Kingfishers subjects to almost have a routine with where they prefer to perch, where they head for cover, and how long before they return. This has helped me realize some closer images. I have yet to work from my portable blind with Kingfishers, but I have used a vehicle a couple of times as a hide.
 
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It’s definitely a challenge! I have been chasing a pair of these for two summers and even in a hide I only get one click and they are on the other side of the pond.
 
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Here is the only shot I've gotten - it is heavily cropped. You can hear the little fast buggers long before you see them. I chased this guy for quite a while before getting this long distance shot.
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