Got one at last, kigfisher

[philjay]

Taken today on a day out at a couple of local reserves. I was just sitting staring at nothing then this little fella zoomed onto his perch, really took me by surprise. Taken with Olympus OM D EM 1 and at 150mm (equiv of 300mm full frame). I shot a few frames off with this lens then started to swap to the 600mm equivalent but he was too quick for me and had gone by the time I had the camera ready. So this was stretching the lens a bit with the crop. I tried posting the uncropped shot but its too big for EMS forum, will reduce and post later

 

Yey, I got one at last

 

 

Edited June 26, 2017 by philjay

[+Graham]

Certainly is one handsome bird. 

[Doc]

Awesome capture Phil, I really like Kingfishers.

[philjay]

Thanks chaps. I have fond childhood memories of Kingfishers, my dad and I would watch them fishing by a bridge in a village near where I was brought up. They were a regular sight. But its been ages since I have seen one this close. Usually all I see is a blue flash as they dart past. This one was at Willington reserve, here's the wider view.

Edited June 27, 2017 by philjay

[Doc]

A very convenient stick, ideal for a photographer 

[Brantuk]

I just love Kingfishers - I remember watching one fishing from a fence in Sun City - fascinating little birds and a smashing shot Phil.

[Orion]

Awwe, lovely pic. Gorgeous colourful bird. There's a place in the North East along the river Tyne (Ryton) where these birds can be seen. But the reserve have hides to go in which makes it a lot easier to catch them without startle. Great pic.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[philjay]

5 hours ago, Doc said:

A very convenient stick, ideal for a photographer 

These are placed there by the reserve wardens for this very reason Mick. Both Drakelow and Willington have them in the birds favorite fishing areas. I have spent ages at Drakelow waiting for one to come along and pose but nothing, then 1st time out at Willington the little fella obliged.