Virgin shot of Common KF

[2100]

Common KF portrait.

ISO 400, 1/125, 500mm, f11.
Common Kingfisher

Though this guy should be quite common here and should have found its way into your portfolios by now, it's my virgin shot of any KF species. Just no luck with them as they are skittish.

Allow me to relate how i shot this. There is this opening by the sluice gate which opens into Hide 2D, it's to the left of you (water coming in from the straits of Johor) as you walk from the prawn pond. I have observed before that there were some white throated or stork billed flying around there. So just glanced to the left and saw 2 of them, a pair and they were huddled together side by side.

Setup my tripod but alas, one flew away by the time i setup (just fulled opened the legs and adjusted the height so as to shoot through). Don't think it has sensed my presence as there were no danger calls. I saw them behind the bushes and if i have walked 3m fowards i'd be seen from the clearing already. So LL, just some final adjustments to the height and ballhead, put on the flash and whacked. Flash blocked by the leaves/branches, so LL, shot in RAW and bracketed a few while checking histo and blinking highlights.

This is the best pose of the lot. Though not exactly beautiful feathers (probably just hunted and never take bath/preening ) and background colour is dull, still happy to have got the shot. Fully ambient and wild capture in its natural state. Hope the shadows lend some gradations and depth.

[2100]

Oh yeah, these guys at SBWR are pretty sensitive/skittish. I was wearing camo hat and shirt, after this i shifted more towards the clearing so that my flash could be cleared to fire. Moved slowly like 10cm per second, no sound. Once saw the lens/tripod it gave off warning cries and took cover.

[Garion]

Hi Desmond,

The link you provided is that of a Collared Kingfisher, Halcyon chloris. Did you link to the wrong pic?

[jbma]

Originally Posted by 2100 Common KF portrait. ISO 400, 1/125, 500mm, f11. Common Kingfisher Though this guy should be quite common here and should have found its way into your portfolios by now, it's my virgin shot of any KF species. Just no luck with them as they are skittish. Allow me to relate how i shot this. There is this opening by the sluice gate which opens into Hide 2D, it's to the left of you (water coming in from the straits of Johor) as you walk from the prawn pond. I have observed before that there were some white throated or stork billed flying around there. So just glanced to the left and saw 2 of them, a pair and they were huddled together side by side. Setup my tripod but alas, one flew away by the time i setup (just fulled opened the legs and adjusted the height so as to shoot through). Don't think it has sensed my presence as there were no danger calls. I saw them behind the bushes and if i have walked 3m fowards i'd be seen from the clearing already. So LL, just some final adjustments to the height and ballhead, put on the flash and whacked. Flash blocked by the leaves/branches, so LL, shot in RAW and bracketed a few while checking histo and blinking highlights. This is the best pose of the lot. Though not exactly beautiful feathers (probably just hunted and never take bath/preening ) and background colour is dull, still happy to have got the shot. Fully ambient and wild capture in its natural state. Hope the shadows lend some gradations and depth.

You mean you've never shot this before?hehe Garion is right about being a Collared KF.

[2100]

Nope, i have linked to the right pic. Never captured before so naming also make mistake.

Always been out of luck with kingfishers. Maybe i should stop visiting Neo Tiew/SBWR and visit SBG, there got lots more right? Much less effort also. Come to think of it, SBG is a mere 10 min 4km drive away.

[Newguy69]

Bro, nice close-up shot of the WCKF, pic sharp and detailed. Well done

Cheers