Photographing the elusive common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is always an exciting challenge. This small, vibrant bird, with its striking blue and orange plumage, can be a tough subject to capture in the wild, especially when you’re working with the unpredictable British weather. I had the pleasure of attempting to photograph this magnificent bird on a recent outing, armed with my Canon EOS R7 and Canon 1D Mark IV, both of which helped me navigate the challenges thrown at me by the elements.
The Kingfisher's Elusiveness
The common kingfisher is known for its lightning-fast movements, making it difficult to photograph. These birds often dart through the air in search of fish, making split-second dives that demand quick reflexes and excellent timing from the photographer. Kingfishers are solitary and territorial, so spotting one can be a rare event. When you do get a glimpse, it’s easy to be mesmerized by their beauty, but it takes patience and skill to capture that beauty on camera.
The British Weather: A Constant Challenge
The first challenge I encountered was the ever-changing British weather. As many photographers will attest, light can be a fickle friend, especially when shooting in the UK. On this day, the sky was overcast, with sporadic breaks in the clouds that played havoc with my exposure settings. The diffuse light meant there was a lack of contrast, and the bird’s vivid colours seemed to disappear against the muted backdrop.
With 20 years of experience behind the lens, I knew that such conditions required careful management of both camera settings and composition. I turned to my Canon EOS R7, with its superb autofocus system, to help track the kingfisher’s rapid movements. Despite the cloudy sky, I was able to make adjustments to the camera's ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to maintain crisp detail and reduce motion blur.
Overcast days can still provide some beautiful results.
The Canon 1D Mark IV: A Trusted Companion
My Canon 1D Mark IV, though slightly older, remains a workhorse for bird photography. The fast burst rate and robust autofocus capabilities of this camera helped me capture the kingfisher mid-flight. However, I had to be prepared for the occasional dip in lighting, especially when the clouds thickened. I would often dial down the aperture to allow more light and increase the ISO to compensate for the lower ambient light.
The kingfisher’s sharp movements meant that every second counted, so I relied heavily on my knowledge of the bird's behaviour to anticipate its next move. The 1D Mark IV’s responsiveness allowed me to capture the bird just as it dived into the water, a split-second moment that’s easy to miss.
Overcoming the Light Challenges
Overcoming the challenges presented by the light was key to making the most of the situation. With a bit of experience and the right tools, I was able to make sure the bird’s striking colours were captured, even under changing light conditions, one moment it’s dull and overcast and then the next it’s glorious sunshine. Using spot metering allowed me to expose correctly for the kingfisher, while I adjusted the white balance to bring out its natural hues.
Harsh light did provide some creative opportunities by allowing me to almost completely darken the background
Fun Fact: The common kingfisher hunts by diving into the water to catch its prey. They often hover above the water before diving, a characteristic behaviour that can be fascinating to witness and photograph.
Kingfisher emerging from a successful dive.
A Moment of Stillness
Despite the challenges of the day, I was finally rewarded with a breathtaking shot of the kingfisher perched on a bullrush, surveying the water below. This moment of stillness allowed the colours to pop against the muted background, showcasing the beauty of the bird in a way that was simply magical. The result was a series of images that captured the spirit of this incredible bird in its natural habitat.
A break in the clouds allowed me to capture a male kingfisher perfectly perched upon a bullrush.
In the end, photographing the common kingfisher was not just about the equipment, but the patience, anticipation, and knowledge of the bird's behaviour that I’ve honed over two decades of wildlife photography. The weather, while unpredictable, was something that I had learned to work with, adjusting my settings and approach to make the most of each fleeting moment.
The common kingfisher may be small, but it’s a reminder of the beauty and unpredictability of nature—and the joy that comes from capturing these moments
Kingfisher surveying the water below.