A Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) perches on a slender branch at the rainforest edge of Capurganá, Chocó, Colombia. Early dawn light filters through a dense canopy, illuminating his ash-gray plumage and distinctive jet-black cap. His long, forked tail streams behind him like a ribbon, creating a sense of balance and elegance against the softly blurred backdrop of emerald foliage. Dew-laden leaves and diffused, golden light contribute to the scene’s intimate atmosphere, highlighting both the flycatcher’s poised stance and the vibrant ecosystem he inhabits.
Capturing this precise moment required disciplined fieldcraft and careful technical execution. I used a Canon EOS R5 paired with an 800mm f/11 lens and a 1.4× extender, yielding an effective focal length of 1120mm. Working handheld beneath the canopy, I set ISO 3200 to raise shadow detail while preserving image quality. The 1/60 second shutter speed was determined by the camera’s metering, ensuring that the bird’s subtle movements were frozen without introducing motion blur. Since the aperture was fixed at f/16 due to the lens and extender combination, I relied on ISO adjustments and controlled breathing to maintain sharpness at this long focal length. Holding a steady stance under dim light, I was able to capture every feather texture, from the delicate down along his belly to the tapered tips of his tail feathers.
The Fork-tailed Flycatcher thrives in transitional habitats where rainforest meets open clearing—areas increasingly threatened by development and deforestation. Through conservation-focused imagery, I aim to raise awareness of these vulnerable edge ecosystems and inspire responsible stewardship. By delivering a blend of technical precision and artistic vision, this photograph encourages viewers to appreciate the fragile beauty of species that rely on such habitats.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
