Photographed at La Minga Ecolodge near Cali in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, this image features a juvenile Green Honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza, perched on a pale branch in the gentle light of the Andean forest. The young bird is beginning its transition from soft green tones toward the vivid blue and dark head of the adult male. In this stage, its feathers reveal subtle gradients of color, and the yellow along the bill creates a clean point of contrast against the muted greens of the background.
The photograph was created using a Canon EOS R5 paired with the RF800mm F11 IS STM lens. The final exposure settings were 1/250 second at f/11 with ISO 3200. These settings allowed me to balance the fixed aperture of the lens with the shaded morning light of the forest. A shutter speed of 1/250 second provided enough stability to keep the bird sharp while it paused briefly, and the higher ISO ensured proper exposure without losing the calm atmosphere of the scene. The long focal length provided natural subject isolation, keeping attention on the juvenile while preserving the authentic character of the forest behind it.
The moment required patience and careful positioning. Juvenile honeycreepers move quickly and often remain in pockets of shadow, so I waited for the bird to step into a soft, even patch of light where its developing colors became visible. The diffused illumination helped maintain feather texture and tonal consistency without introducing harsh highlights.
My goal with this image was to share a quiet stage of transformation that often goes unnoticed. This juvenile reflects a moment of growth within the forest, and capturing it allowed me to show the beauty of a species evolving into its adult form.
©2025 Adam Rainoff Photographer
