It is quite a challenge to get a clear shot of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula). Why? Ruby-crowned Kinglets are one of the smallest birds in my area, about 4 inches (10 cm) in length and 0.2-0.3 ounces (5 to 10 g) in weight. Additionally they are almost constantly moving. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology described them as, “restless, acrobatic birds that move quickly through foliage, typically at lower and middle levels. They flick their wings almost constantly as they go.”
I have spotted these tiny birds multiple times this season but only recently did I manage to get some reasonably clear images of them during a visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. This images show pretty well their prominent white eye-rings and the beautiful pattern on their wings. Unfortunately I did not get a glimpse of the the “ruby crown” of a male kinglet, a characteristic that is only occasionally visible.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Fabulous shots and I loved hearing all about the ruby-crowned kinglets. Gorgeous little birds.
Mike, these are wonderful photos of this sweet little bird!
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
Great shots!
You did well. I usually run out of patience.
Ahh, a treat to see these three captures of the ruby-crowned kinglet. They live on our property in the winter and just this past weekend we were following the frenetic flights of one while s/he fluttered about snapping at insects. At one point s/he paused in the sunlight, we hoped for a flash of red, but were not granted it. I love these birds, and you do a good job here, Mike, of demonstrating the loveable and fast-moving personality.
Thanks so much, Jet, for your very kind words and for sharing your experiences with these tiny birds. They are definitely fun to watch, but tough to photograph. I’m pretty patient and enjoy the challenge, so I don’t get frustrated by the fact that most of my attempts are far from successful. I just keep coming back to try again. 🙂
I thought of you yesterday, Mike. Athena and I were on a walk and we saw a ruby-crowned kinglet, were watching him as he darted in the sunshine, and voila! We got a magic flash of ruby! It was a wonderful. It’s been years since we were treated to a glimpse of the ruby, and so very much worth the wait. Hoping your holidays have plenty of color, my friend.
I think the best view I got of the ruby crown was two years ago and did this posting. https://michaelqpowell.com/2018/01/03/ruby-crowned-kinglet/ Best wishes to you and to Athena for a joyous Christmas and a safe and happy new year.
Such an excellent delight to see that ruby crown, Mike. That third photo is so spectacular and so very rare. Thanks so much. Christmas cheers to you, my friend.
Thanks, Jet.
Sweet little birds, they are miniatures!
Indeed they are. The kinglets and hummingbirds compete, I think, for the title of smallest birds where I live.
They are indeed hard to photograph. Happy Holidays.
Thanks, Sherry. Folks who have seen kinglets have a much better impression of how small and active the kinglets are–it’s a bit tough to convey to those who have not seen these tiny dynamos.
They can move so fast it is incredible. Hummers do that too.
Good shots
Thanks, Athira.
Always welcome