The Beauty of Nature: Capturing the Fluffy Eastern Kingbird
As a wildlife photographer, I am always on the lookout for interesting and unique moments in the natural world. That’s why I was delighted to capture a photo of a fluffy Eastern Kingbird during my visit to the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma last April.
I had read that birds fluff up their feathers in cold weather in order to trap as much air as possible, thus keeping themselves warm. So when I saw this bird land on a small tree between the auto tour road and the river, I knew that I had to capture this moment.
To get the shot, I parked my pickup truck on the side of the road and positioned my camera and lens on a bean bag that I had draped over the open window. This setup allowed me to remain stationary and capture the bird’s movements without disturbing its natural habitat.
The result was a beautiful and fluffy image of the Eastern Kingbird, showcasing its unique adaptations to survive in the cold. The intricate details of its feathers, the way it had fluffed up to stay warm, and its peaceful demeanor were all captured in this one moment.
This photo serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature. Despite the harsh conditions and challenges that these birds face, they are able to survive and thrive through their clever adaptations and innate resilience.
Overall, this was a wonderful experience that I will cherish for years to come. It’s moments like these that inspire me to keep exploring the natural world and seeking out new adventures as a wildlife photographer.
Technical:
• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
• Date Taken: April 30, 2020
• Aperture: f8.0
• Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec.
• ISO: 800
• Exposure Bias: -2/3 EV
• Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority
• Focal Length: 700 mm
• Lens: Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS USM with a Canon 1.4x III Extender
• Camera: Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Here is a photo I took of an Eastern Kingbird regurgitating a pellet: Eastern Kingbird Regurgitating Pellet