A female Blue-chested Hummingbird (Polyerata amabilis) perches on a broad leaf beside a shaded creek in Capurganá, Chocó, Colombia. Her iridescent emerald back and vivid turquoise throat contrast sharply with muted greens of the riparian understory. The bird’s poised profile, curved bill, and deep violet wing coverts stand out against a softly blurred background created by rippling water and diffused morning light.
Achieving this level of detail required precise equipment and technique. I worked handheld with a Canon EOS R5 mounted with an RF 800mm f/11 lens and 1.4× extender, yielding an effective focal length of 1120mm and fixing the aperture at f/16. In shutter-priority mode, I set ISO to 3200 to lift shadow detail under the dense canopy, and the camera selected a 1/250-second shutter speed to freeze every subtle movement without introducing motion blur. Maintaining a steady stance on slippery creekbank stones and controlling my breathing were essential to keep the tiny subject in sharp focus.
The Blue-chested Hummingbird’s trap-lining behavior—following a daily circuit of nectar-rich flowers along creekside corridors—underscores the importance of preserving transitional habitats where forest meets water. Through conservation-focused imagery like this, I aim to highlight the technical possibilities of Canon’s mirrorless system while advocating for the protection of fragile ecosystems.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
