This image of a Golden-naped Tanager (Chalcothraupis ruficervix) was taken in the montane cloud forest of La Minga Ecolodge, located in Dapa, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. The bird is perched on a branch covered in moss, surrounded by a soft, green background created by a dense canopy and early morning fog. The setting was calm and quiet, with soft diffused light breaking through the forest—ideal conditions for rendering delicate feather details and maintaining a natural tone across the scene.
The bird’s plumage is what truly sets the image apart. The electric blue-green body, combined with the deep black crown and subtle patch of golden-orange on the nape, creates a striking visual against the muted greens of the forest. I waited for the subject to pause long enough to catch the eye light and a clean profile, which gave the image a moment of stillness and clarity in an otherwise active, unpredictable environment.
The image was captured using a Canon EOS R5 paired with the RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lens. I shot this handheld at 1/250 second, f/6.7, ISO 800 at 500mm. This combination offered the reach and stabilization I needed to work in low light while tracking a fast-moving subject in thick vegetation. The lens performed exceptionally well, allowing me to isolate the bird against the busy background without sacrificing detail in the shadows or highlights.
Photographing in tropical forests requires agility, patience, and confidence in your gear. This image reflects not just the technical capabilities of the equipment but also the quiet beauty that defines bird photography in these environments. It represents a fleeting moment captured under challenging conditions and a testament to the versatility of Canon’s mirrorless system in the field.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
