#aglaiocercus

Long-tailed Sylph by Adam Rainoff Via Flickr: This male Long-tailed Sylph (Aglaiocercus kingii) was photographed at La Minga Ecolodge, located in the Río Bitaco Forest Reserve, Valle del Cauca, Colombia. Known for its iridescent green plumage and extraordinarily long tail feathers, the Sylph is a highlight of this cloud forest ecosystem. Perched momentarily on a delicate branch, the bird’s vibrant colors contrasted beautifully with the lush greens of its surroundings. The tranquility of the setting added depth and texture to the composition, creating an image that feels both vibrant and serene. To capture this moment, I set my shutter speed to 1/4000 sec, aperture at f/6.7, and ISO at 3200—settings initially prepared to freeze the rapid movements of hummingbirds in flight. The natural light filtering through the forest canopy added a soft, diffused glow to the image, while the high shutter speed ensured sharpness during this fleeting opportunity. Moments like these, where preparation meets serendipity, are a reminder of why I’m passionate about wildlife photography. ©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer