I photographed a Pied Puffbird (Notharchus tectus) perched on a moss-clad branch beside a shaded creek in Capurganá, Chocó, Colombia. The bird’s bold black-and-white plumage and delicate speckling across its crown stand out crisply against a softly blurred tapestry of deep-green foliage and rippling water. Its compact form and gently curved bill are rendered with sharp clarity, conveying both the species’ stoic presence and the serene mood of its creekside habitat.
Achieving this portrait required a blend of patient fieldcraft and precise equipment choices. I worked handheld with a Canon EOS R5 mounted to an RF 800 mm f/11 IS STM lens and 1.4× extender—yielding an effective focal length of 1120 mm and fixing the aperture at f/16. Shooting in program mode, I raised ISO to 3200 to capture critical detail under low-light canopy conditions, and the camera automatically selected a 1/500 sec shutter speed to freeze the puffbird’s subtle posture shifts. Holding a steady stance on uneven creekbank stones and timing each frame with controlled breathing ensured the tiny subject remained in sharp focus.
This image not only demonstrates the optical reach and high-ISO capability of Canon’s mirrorless system but also underscores the importance of preserving the riparian corridors that Pied Puffbirds rely on for foraging and nesting. By combining thoughtful technique with conservation-minded storytelling, I aim to inspire fellow Canon Community members to explore remote wilds responsibly and to leverage their craft for environmental protection.
©2023 Adam Rainoff Photographer
