Buff-tailed Coronet by Adam Rainoff Via Flickr: The Buff-tailed Coronet (Boissonneaua flavescens) is a captivating hummingbird species, photographed at La Minga Ecolodge, near Cali, Colombia, in the heart of the Andean cloud forest. This particular individual perched delicately on a branch, surrounded by the soft, diffused light typical of the forest canopy at 1,900 meters. The bird’s shimmering green feathers, complemented by hints of bronze and its characteristic buff tail, contrasted beautifully with the muted greens and browns of the background. The natural bokeh created by the lens added depth and focus to this vibrant subject, enhancing the intimate connection between viewer and bird. I used a Canon R5 with the 100-500mm lens to achieve this shot. With a shutter speed of 1/125 sec and ISO 800, I relied on the R5’s advanced stabilization to produce a crisp image despite the slower speed. The overcast lighting softened shadows and reduced harsh highlights, making this an ideal moment to capture the intricate details of the bird’s plumage. For me, this image reflects the joy of bird photography—waiting patiently for fleeting moments and trusting the combination of technology and instinct to preserve them. ©2021 Adam Rainoff Photographer
