Copyright ©2016 Deborah M. Zajac. ALL RIGHTS RESERVE
It was a busy week-end with little to no time spent on the computer. Of course Photography figured high on my list of things to do this past week-end.
The Super Moon was number 1 on my list and I made plans months ago to shoot it with friends in Central Valley Calif. We were a large group and while waiting for the group to assemble before heading to our chosen shooting location I was photographing little birds in a nearby bush.
A friend and I spied a little flighty bird hopping from one branch to the next all the while staying deep in the foliage. I thought it might be a Warbler of some sort, but couldn’t be sure until I got a better look. I watched and waited hoping it would come out just for one good look and image. A little patience paid off. It showed itself in the open less than a minute! I managed to get only 3 frames of it hoping with fingers crossed that just one of those frames would be good.
Imagine my delight at finding I liked all three well enough to keep and share!
Then late last night I was trying to catch up with blogs and emails and read Donna’s post about her latest birding adventure and there in her images was a bird that looked just like the little bird I photographed that very afternoon!
I pulled out my Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North America to compare my bird, and Donna’s bird with the Field Guide to see if I had a match and positive identification. I believe so! If true then this bird is a new ” Lifer” for me! An exciting spotting indeed! Thank you Donna!
Without further ado I present a Ruby-crowned Kinglet with the 3 images I made:
If you think this is different bird please let me know!
Nikon D700| Nikkor 200-500mm| Lexar Professional Digital Film|
More to come…
Oh my goodness what amazing shots you got! This bird resembles the one I was stalking last summer. It would flit into view for a nanosecond and then back into the bush.
Sweet pretty bird..
Thank you so much Cheryl!
So sweet! wonderful Deborah
Thank you Lynn!
Beautiful captures, Deborah! I’m so happy the little bird gave you a few seconds in the open. The photo with the open wings is particularly magical. 🙂
Thank you so much Myriam!
Congrats on your lifer, they are sweet shots.
Thank you so much Harold!
I looked af each several times, trying to pick a favorite one. No can do. I love all three. The expression, the beauty and the power of a little bird’s wings, all beautiful. Nicely done!
Thank you so much Dan! Your description of the birds is just lovely!
Your fantastic photographs look like we could touch the feathers on this dear little bird. 🙂 I like it’s name, Deborah. Often birds have cool names given for quite small details in their feathers. I truly loved the trio of photos!
Thank you so much Robin! I wish I had seen the Ruby spot on its crown that this bird gets its name for. Perhaps one day I will. 🙂
I think you will see the ruby crown feathers someday, Deborah. 🙂 There is a charming personality to this perky bird.
I hope so! Thank you Robin!
Great capture!
Thank you Susan!
I’m with you. Of course, I’ve never seen a Ruby-crowned kinglet till now. Thanks, glad you caught it.
🙂 We both learned about a new bird. Thanks for the comment!
🙂
Wonderful RC Kinglet captures, Deborah! Even a flash of full wing, awesome!! My understanding is the male and female look alike, except for the male has the ‘ruby-crown’ that is hidden in the back of his head feathers; unless he flashes it, you cannot tell the difference. Best chance to see is when he’ll flash it in the spring and summer as he excitedly sings for a lady! 🙂
Thank you so much Donna! It’s more of migrant bird here so I don’t know if seeing one with its Ruby crown showing is even possible here.
I think it’s really neat that we both saw one this month on opposite sides of the country and it’s a Lifer for us both! 🙂
It is a neat celebration! 🙂
🙂
If it is, it’s a female. It looks a lot like an American Goldfinch except the beak is a bit long.
Thanks Bunty!
The orangish feet, and wing bar also are like the Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Unfortunately I didn’t see the ruby spot on its crown. It was hidden or it’s a female as you say.
So wonderful to get three great shots; terrific focus and light! Cute bird too.
Thank you so much Geo! It’s rare that I get even one keeper when the sighting happens in seconds!