Philippine Kingfisher

[mantarey]

This capture made the grueling five hour trip to Baler worthwhile. I found this fellow in a ravine by the side of the road. If not for it's bright orangy color I might have missed this bird. It is the smallest forest Kingfisher in the country and among the races, this race (melamurus) is the tiniest of all about 4 3/4" only.

This bird allowed me several dozen shots but because of the very poor ambient light and no tripod, I managed only two usable images which I wished were a little bit sharper but inspite of that, for me, this is one of my most exciting capture so far.


Philippine KIngfisher (Ceyx melanurus), Baler, Aurora, 04/06/09
5DM2, f4.5, 1/13, ISO400, Manual Exposure, Manfrotto Monopod

[Romy Ocon]

Amazingly colorful endemic, Rey..... congrats on this rare capture!

[Ivan Sarenas]

Gorgeous, gorgeous Rey!
I also have the Mindanao race of this bird but the Luzon race seems to be more beautiful. Will post soon as I have time to PP. Congrats!

[mantarey]

Thanks a lot Mastah Romy and Ivan.

Here's the same image with a different workflow. Is it a little better now?

[Neon Rosell II]

Wow!! Congrats Rey!! Now Where in Baler is the exact location? Been planning a trip there since I came back..hmmm..after Baguio probably.

Since you were using a 5DM2 a 1600 ISO would not hurt so much ;D

[Tonji Ramos]

Congrats on the capture Rey.

Its a stunning bird. So many birds to see and hopefully photograph!

Thanks for sharing.

[mantarey]

Thanks a lot Neon and Tonji.

Actually, I reluctantly pumped up the ISO to 1600 in some shots but a tripod would have been what I needed the most.

It's quite a large mountainous barangay in Baler but I can show you the exact place if you can give me a ride.

[Mark Itol]

Woohoo, Rey! Congratulations on bagging this one! Such a colorful and cute KF.

_{I actually thought that your new avatar was the Stork-billed KF you previously posted.}

[Ely Teehankee]

Rey, with the pictures that you have posted it is in my opinion that the Kingfisher is the most beautiful bird. There are so many varieties and each one of them has a different multi colored combination. I am awed by God's creation and reminded me of His victory on the cross for our salvation. Thank God that we have good photographers posting regularly on the PBPF. Happy Easter.

[Toto Gamboa]

wow ... pretty bird. great capture sir Rey!

[mantarey]

Thanks a lot Mark, Ely and Toto and Happy Easter to you guys.