The Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is a striking hummingbird species native to the Andean forests of Colombia. I photographed this remarkable bird at La Minga Ecolodge, near Cali, a renowned location for birdwatching and conservation. This image reflects a moment of stillness in a typically fast-moving world.
To capture this shot, I used a Canon R5 equipped with the RF 100-500mm lens, set at 500mm. Given the dim forest light, I chose ISO 800 for optimal clarity while keeping noise minimal, thanks to the R5’s advanced sensor. The camera’s Program (P) mode determined a shutter speed of 1/125 second and an aperture of f/6.7. This combination allowed for a perfect balance of light and depth of field while ensuring enough sharpness to highlight the bird’s iridescent plumage.
The Buff-tailed Coronet perched momentarily on a mossy branch, allowing me to focus on its characteristic features: shimmering green feathers, a coppery tail, and a bold posture. Canon’s in-body stabilization played a crucial role, ensuring tack-sharp detail despite the relatively slow shutter speed for a telephoto lens.
Capturing such fleeting moments in the cloud forest underscores the importance of precision, patience, and a deep respect for nature’s intricate beauty.
©2024 Adam Rainoff Photographer
