This image of a female White-booted Racket-tail (Ocreatus underwoodii) was taken at La Minga Ecolodge, nestled in the cloud forests above Dapa, in Valle del Cauca, Colombia. I had been observing a patch of mossy branches where several hummingbirds were feeding, and she eventually appeared, pausing long enough for a clean shot.
I captured this photo using a Canon EOS R5 paired with the RF 100-500mm lens, extended to its full reach. Despite the low, diffused light typical of a cloud forest morning, the autofocus tracked her gracefully as she settled onto the perch. The combination of reach and responsiveness in this lens let me isolate her fine white leg tufts and the soft emerald tones across her head and back, all while maintaining a pleasing fall-off into the lush, out-of-focus background. The quiet tones of the forest—muted greens, soft grays, and a misty wash—created a tranquil canvas that complements her understated beauty.
Photographing hummingbirds like this one is always a study in patience and timing. The female of this species lacks the ornate tail feathers of the male but compensates with subtle elegance and composure. She is a symbol of the complexity and diversity found in Colombia’s montane ecosystems—places that demand both reverence and protection.
This image is part of my broader journey documenting Colombia’s biodiversity. With each photograph, I aim not only to highlight the visual beauty of these species but also to build a visual narrative that supports conservation and responsible ecotourism.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
