Male Ruby-crowned Kinglet on an autumn morning
This morning I wanted to share a potpourri of Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos because I adore seeing and photographing these quick moving, charismatic little birds. I don’t get to photograph this species as often as I would like to but after taking a few poor images of one yesterday in the Wasatch Mountains when a kinglet briefly appeared in my view I recalled that I still had images of these tiny dynamos I hadn’t processed or shared yet.
Why do I think Ruby-crowned Kinglets are charismatic? Just take a look at that inquisitive little face!
All of these photos were taken on October 7, 2017 and on that morning I saw so many kinglets I had trouble keeping up with them. It was also challenging when it came to deciding which kinglet to focus on when there was more than one in my view at a time. I am sure that a few times I probably made the wrong choice yet I was still thrilled with the photos I took.
These little birds move fast so it is always a joy for me when one of them perched long enough for me to take a long series of images of them and on that brisk October morning I was able to do that multiple times.
Over the years I have learned that for some of the avian bird species the sit and wait approach works well after finding a location where there is reliable bird activity because there is available food, water and shelter for the birds. I actively seek out areas like the spot where I photographed these kinglets all year long because I know those locations can increase my chances for photographing birds.
I don’t mind sitting and waiting for birds to show up in those locations because I am surrounded by nature and that is one of the main reasons I took up bird and nature photography in the first place. I am the most relaxed, peaceful and in tune “me” when I am surrounded by the natural world.
Ruby-crowned Kinglet and the colors of fall
I enjoyed photographing the Ruby-crowned Kinglets that autumn morning and I hope that I have another opportunity with them again soon either at the same location or another spot where I can sit, relax and be surrounded by nature.
Life is good.
Mia
*All photos were taken using my Nikon D500 with my 500mm with a 1.4x teleconverter attached at ISO 400. My shutter speeds varied between 1/800 and 1/1600.
Click here to view more of my Ruby-crowned Kinglet photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wow! Starting with the first pic…the quality of the shots is simply terrific. What a great looking little bird. Thanks Mia.
Wonderful series Mia, I totally agree with you on the sitting or standing and wait for them to come to you, much less stress put on birds this way.
Fabulous job getting all these wonderful shots! I especially like the one in which he’s giving his feathers “the ol’ shake-a shake-a.”
They are indeed charmers – with a charm which is much, much bigger than their diminutive size.
Wonderful detail! I appreciate your patience that produces such quality photos of a difficult subject.
Great shots, for me, is a difficult bird to photograph!
I LOVE Ruby-crowned Kinglets and your photos of these endearing little energetic birds are the best I have ever seen. They are a challenge to photograph because of their quickness and you have done an exceptional job! My favorite photo is the top one. Why? Not only can you see the ruby crown but you can see one of my favorite features of this species, the orange feet! Besides the black wing bar behind the white one, and the pointed beak, the orange feet distinguishes the Ruby-crowned Kinglet from the Hutton’s Vireo.