I found a perched female Belted Kingfisher while I was at Farmington Bay WMA two days ago. This was after the clouds came back in creating low light conditions. The light was bad enough that I considered not even taking photos of her.
Female Belted Kingfisher in low light conditions – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 500, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Instead I raised my lens and focused on the slaty blue and russet bird on the branch through my viewfinder. I took photos of her despite the cruddy lighting conditions. I’m glad that I did and I am happy with the quality of the images that I took of her.
Low light female Belted Kingfisher on a branch – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/320, ISO 500, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Because of the low light, I moved my Jeep slowly forward to get slightly closer to the Belted Kingfisher. She was actually fairly cooperative while I had her in my viewfinder. Typically this species can be quite skittish.
I often hear the rattling call of Belted Kingfishers before I see them. That wasn’t the case with this female. She caught my eye and my attention when she flew past me.
Winter female Belted Kingfisher under cloudy skies – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/640, ISO 1000, +1.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though I had poor lighting conditions while this female kingfisher was in my viewfinder, I enjoyed her presence.
Belted Kingfishers are year round residents in northern Utah.
I find this species where there is open water during the winter near the marshes, ponds, lakes, and rivers. I am thoroughly delighted to have Belted Kingfishers that are within a few minutes from where I live in town.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Belted Kingfisher photos plus facts and information about this species.
Here in New England, every time I run across one I can’t get it to sit still long enough to get focus on them !! Great Job Mia !!
There is no bad shot of a Belted Kingfisher — male or female or juvenile — in my opinion. 😀
Whoops! I’m hitting “post” too quickly today. Also wanted to add how much I like the last shot where she’s cocked her head and appears to be looking at you. 💜
I am so glad that you took the chance and aimed at her. Excellent capture.
Yay Queenfisher!