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Thread started 30 Oct 2009 (Friday) 02:52
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How to Photograph a Kingfisher

 
SAB_Click
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Oct 30, 2009 02:52 |  #1

Hi all

This is my first venture into the bird forum...

I've seen only three kingfishers in my life, all apparently coming from nowhere at high speed flying along the water route of either rivers or canals.

I've been inspired by some of the photographs here and wondered what tips exist and what would be the best method to try and get a picture of one of these beautiful creatures.


Things such as:

  • Best time of year
  • Best time of day
  • Type of location
  • Type of equipment
  • Techniques
  • Tips to improve chances
  • Amount of time required to start to get good pictures
The nearest thing I've got to a 'bird' lens would be the Canon 100-400, is this suitable?

Hope this is enough information to give me some pointers (btw, I'm in the UK).

Thanks.



  
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canonloader
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Oct 30, 2009 03:41 |  #2

First, get to know the birds habits. Kingfishers will use the same perches over and over. They have a territory they prefer and they will travel from one end of it to another, usually using the same vantage points. They only eat fish, so they want to look down into the water from a branch or wire over the water. Look for them there.

They are very skittish and don't want you to get too close, so if you are still scouting the shore or bank, look out ahead. If you see one already in the air, try and watch till he lands and maybe where he came from. Stop where you are and settle in for awhile and he may eventually come back near you.

Some people use blinds and have even put up a stick or log over water that the bird finds convenient and will use, while their blind is set in a spot to shoot the log. I have found a spot they seem to like in a tree in our wetlands and just stood in the open with my tripod and had the bird come within shooting range before. As a kid, we had them fishing from branches right over our swimming hole in the river, sitting there and diving in right beside us while we swam. Go figure. These birds do what they want.

For shooting them, I use AI Servo and high speed burst mode. Your IS lens takes up to one second to spin up, so maybe turn IS off if the light is good enough for high shutter speeds. The birds often hover over water while waiting for a fish to show itself, so be ready for that too. If you find a favorite tree, stake it out and don't move around much and they will eventually come back to it. It helps to be already aimed and focused on the branch they prefer. :)


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SAB_Click
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Oct 30, 2009 03:47 as a reply to  @ canonloader's post |  #3

That's great information - thanks.

What would be typical dimensions for their territory?




  
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canonloader
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Oct 30, 2009 03:59 |  #4

Our birds here in the US are bigger birds I think and may have slightly different habits, but they should be similar. Territory depends on population density. Population of the birds. If there are not many in an area, then it might be bigger, if they are crowded, then smaller. The secret here, is patience. I think you first want to start looking in an area that is comfortable for you, not many people walking by, maybe even on private property or little traveled park lands. This is so you can be set up and won't be disturbed, after you find the bird and his favorite perch.

Unless you already have a bird and his territory in mind, you might search the forums for kingfishers in the UK and PM the guy who took the shot and ask where he found it and any other tips he is willing to give. :)

But our Kingfishers here have a territory that can be up and down the bank of a river, or cover a small bay in the wetlands. I know of one family that has staked out a triangular section of water along a gravel path in our downtown wetlands. For all of these birds, given the vantage point, you can see all their territry from one spot. I know of one pair that has a small bay along the river here that is roundish and almost land locked and covers maybe 5 acres. Another along the river that covers about a quarter mile and the one on the path is maybe 200 yards, but he has a lot of water to cover.


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Oct 30, 2009 04:20 as a reply to  @ canonloader's post |  #5

My thoughts on this is to find a small body of water where they're limited in their fishing area. I know of a few man-made retention ponds that Kingfishers fish in around me. I think a lot has to do with finding a small area, staking it out and coming up with a plan of attack. Get there early and set up a blind of some sort and wait them out.

I know, easier said then done but I've chased these guys for two years and it's the best plan I could come up for myself. I think being patient is the best advice.


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Oct 30, 2009 04:30 |  #6

I see dozens of them when out in my boat on the Mississippi. You would think it would be easy to get close in a boat. Not so. If anything, it's harder, unless you are fishing. There is something about a guy with a fishing pole and standing up in plain sightreat in a boat. Eagles, Pelicans, Great Blues, Egrets and even Kingfishers totally ignore a guy standing in a boat with a fishing pole. Seen it dozens of times. Yet a boat with a guy and a camera sends them fleeing. I have yet to figure that one out. :)


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Anke
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Oct 30, 2009 04:32 |  #7

Whereabouts in the UK are you?


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Oct 30, 2009 04:50 |  #8

Anke wrote in post #8922879 (external link)
Whereabouts in the UK are you?

North West




  
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Oct 30, 2009 07:32 |  #9

There is an article in this month's National Geographic that should provide a lot of insight.


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Oct 30, 2009 07:39 |  #10

Local RSPB or WWT Reserves should be a good starting point as the Kingfishers in these areas are usually used to being watched and there will be hides especially to see them.


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Oct 30, 2009 07:47 |  #11

canonloader wrote in post #8922877 (external link)
I see dozens of them when out in my boat on the Mississippi. You would think it would be easy to get close in a boat. Not so. If anything, it's harder, unless you are fishing. There is something about a guy with a fishing pole and standing up in plain sightreat in a boat. Eagles, Pelicans, Great Blues, Egrets and even Kingfishers totally ignore a guy standing in a boat with a fishing pole. Seen it dozens of times. Yet a boat with a guy and a camera sends them fleeing. I have yet to figure that one out. :)

You are so right, Mitch. I recently saw a kingfisher in a tree and had to go to the car for my camera. while walking there and back, several noisy people walked under the tree without disturbing the bird. As I approached with the camera, not nearly as close as the other folks, he flew in a flash.


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Oct 30, 2009 08:14 as a reply to  @ sparker1's post |  #12

Are any times of day better than others? (...thinking more for feeding/seeing rather than lighting?)




  
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Oct 30, 2009 09:23 |  #13

I find the crack of dawn to be best and if I had the right location an hour before sundown would be great as well.

In this thread below I posted a write up on the subject, I hope it helps in some way. I'm in the southeastern US, but the same techniques would apply where you are:
https://photography-on-the.net …highlight=kingf​isher+camo


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Ed ­ Rotberg
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Oct 30, 2009 11:56 |  #14

Mitch,

Just hang that 7D off of a sturdy pole with some 50lb test and a cable release, and you're good to go!

:D

= Ed =


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canonloader
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Oct 30, 2009 13:29 |  #15

Ed, I have a remote RC release for the 40D that will also fit the 7D. And a normal cable release, and one that can be progammed to take time lapse. :)


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How to Photograph a Kingfisher
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