African Pygmy Kingfisher – Jennifer Sawicky Photography

I’ve finally worked my way through all the photos that I took of the pygmy kingfisher at the Mkombe hide at Zimanga. Some of the action shots I’ve included are not as crisp as I would like, but I’ve posted them anyways as they do show a nice representation of what the pygmy kingfisher looks like in flight and when coming out of the water. The sole crisp water shot that I managed to capture was done by pre-focusing on the spot I thought it would fly to (an ounce of technique and a pound of luck).

A pygmy kingfisher perches after a splash bath. 1/640sec, f5.6, ISO6400 — A pygmy kingfisher perches after a splash bath.
1/640sec, f5.6, ISO6400

Once the clouds parted and the sun came out, the pygmy kingfishers colouring looked even more spectacular. 1/2000sec, f8.0, ISO2500 — Once the clouds parted and the sun came out, the pygmy kingfishers colouring looked even more spectacular.
1/2000sec, f8.0, ISO2500

Striking the perfect model pose. 1/2000sec, f8., ISO 2500 — Striking the perfect model pose.
1/2000sec, f8., ISO 2500

Peering downwards the water, planning for the next spot to take a bath. 1/200sec, f8.0, ISO2500 — Peering downwards the water, planning for the next spot to take a bath.
1/200sec, f8.0, ISO2500

The kingfisher breaks back through the water while a laughing dove watches in the background. 1/1250sec, f14, ISO 2500 — The kingfisher breaks back through the water while a laughing dove watches in the background.
1/1250sec, f14, ISO 2500

Heading for the water. 1/1250sec, f11. ISO 1250 — Heading for the water.
1/1250sec, f11. ISO 1250

A blue waxbill comes into land at the waterhole, as the kingfisher takes her (or his) leave. 1/1250 sec, f11. ISO 5600 — A blue waxbill comes into land at the waterhole, as the kingfisher takes her (or his) leave.
1/1250 sec, f11. ISO 5600

Getting closer in my attempt to pre focus, but still not quite there. 1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 1250 — Getting closer in my attempt to pre-focus, but still not quite there.
1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 1250

Success!!! 1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 1250 — Success!!!
1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 1250

A pygmy kingfisher flies past while a laughing dove stops by for a drink. 1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 4000 — A pygmy kingfisher flies past while a laughing dove stops by for a drink.
1/1250 sec, f11, ISO 4000