It can be a real challenge to get shots of tiny little songbirds, like this Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Corthylio calendula) that I spotted last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. These kinglets are only about 4 inches (10 cm) in length and move about continuously in the vegetation. I love the description of them on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website, “A tiny bird seemingly overflowing with energy, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet forages almost frantically through lower branches of shrubs and trees. Its habit of constantly flicking its wings is a key identification clue.”
Generally I strive to isolate my subject from the background, but that is virtually impossible with this species, which rarely seems to perch in the open. In this case, I took over a dozen shots of the kinglet and this was the only one that came out ok.
Some of you may have noticed that I have not posted for several day, which is somewhat unusual for me—I try to do a blog posting every day. This weekend, however, I drove to Massachusetts, about 600 miles (965 km) each way, for a family funeral. During my time there, I chose to disconnect myself from the internet and am only now catching up on my e-mail and blog postings.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I am sorry for your loss, Mike. I hope that being able to gather together provided some solace.
I really like this photo of the kinglet. It’s such an adorable little bird. The way its round profile is extended by the lines of the wing tips at one end and the beak in the other is then echoed in the lines of the surrounding branches. I think the green of the buddling leaves also boosts the visual of the green plumage.
Thanks, Laura. My brother-in-law suffered from emphysema and had been on portable oxygen for a number of years. His condition deteriorated in recent months. His passing was not unexpected, but still sad. My siblings and I (all of whom are 60+ years old) lamented that it seems like the only time we get together now is for funerals. Thanks for your detailed comments on the photo, Laura. Your artist’s eyes help you to see lines, forms, shapes, and colors and your words always help me to view my own photos in a deeper, richer way. In this case, I knew that I instinctively liked the photo, but had trouble explaining why.
I am glad you welcome my non-technical comments.
The context of each loss just makes the journey through grief different but it doesn’t make it any easier. I wish gentle days ahead for you and your family.
Gre
Nice capture, Mike. I am sorry for your loss. Welcome home.
Thanks, Nina. My brother-in-law suffered from emphysema and had been on portable oxygen for a number of years. His condition deteriorated in recent months. His passing was not unexpected, but sad nonetheless.
Our thoughts are with you Mike.
Very nice capture of this speedy fellow, Mike. I like the tangle of vines/sprouting leaves as that shows how you really see them. Mostly, I’ve seen their butts.
I’m sorry for your loss and relate to your comments above about your brother-in-law’s passing and your siblings lamentations about funeral gatherings. That seems to go in waves in our lives and fortunately you were able to make the trip.