Blue-throated Bee-eaters on the Hunt

[Ely Teehankee]

It is now the breeding season of the Blue-throated Bee-eaters (Merops viridis) and I had fun photographing these birds with an assortment of insects on their beak. They would make a brief stop before entering their nest as if to make sure that it is safe for them to do so.


Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, Canon EF 800mm f5.6L IS USM, Beanbag on car window for lens support. Manual exposure in available light.



1/200 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/200 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/200 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/200 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/250 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/400 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/500 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/640 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600




1/2500 sec., f5.6, ISO 1600

[Ramon Quisumbing]

Wow, super clear captures as always, Ely! Well done! Amazing to see the variety of stinging insects that they catch.

[William Lim]

Great set, Ely. Well done!

[Mick Harris]

A great set of shots Ely

[Ely Teehankee]

May 6, 2012 9:21:39 GMT Ramon Quisumbing said:

Wow, super clear captures as always, Ely! Well done! Amazing to see the variety of stinging insects that they catch.

Thank you Ramon. I think you should go back there before they leave. Let me know if you want to go there when you come back.

[Ely Teehankee]

May 6, 2012 10:31:41 GMT William Lim said:

Great set, Ely. Well done!

Thank you William. Those birds can be called the welcome committee of Subic. You can always count on seeing them. The only question remains is if you will have good light in photographing them.

[Ely Teehankee]

May 6, 2012 13:10:45 GMT Mick Harris said:

A great set of shots Ely

Thank you Mick. I was trying to imagine that bird photography was boring while taking these pictures. But every time a bird perches with a prey on its beak, the urge to take their picture is always there. I think it is the most exciting thing rather than boring. Cheers.