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Bob Snyder | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Golden-crowned Kinglet hunting insects during spring migration. tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Golden-crowned Kinglet hunting insects during spring migration.

I found 4-5 Golden-crowned Kinglets (Regulus saprata) in shrubs, next to Hunter's Run Cut, at Bald Eagle State Park, Howard PA, as they were hunting insects high in the trees and then lower down in the shrubs next to the lake shore, on April 2, 2017. Good sunlight on the area was a plus, as I needed a high shutter speed to stop their action and get sharp images. These small birds are 4" long with a 7" wingspan and weigh only 6 grams ().21 oz). They move around very quickly, from branch to branch in seeking insects to eat. They do not stay in place for more than a second or two. High shutter speeds (1/2000 sec and a high shutter rate allowed me a chance to stop the action and get a closer look at these quick-moving small birds, seeking insects among newly budding leaves during spring migration.
This could be your first view of a Golden-crowned Kinglet, high in the branches of a tree or shrub.
This could be your first view of a Golden-crowned Kinglet, high in the branches of a tree or shrub.		 The first thing you hear is the high, thin call; zee zee zee, repeated several times.
The first thing you hear is the high, thin call; zee zee zee, repeated several times.		 This view, slightly above eye level shows the bird deep within the branches of a shrub; a bit of the crown is visible.
This view, slightly above eye level shows the bird deep within the branches of a shrub; a bit of the crown is visible.		 A quick moving gray blur, the tiny bird wastes no time, nor tarries long.
A quick moving gray blur, the tiny bird wastes no time, nor tarries long.
These sprites are as acrobatic as chickadees.
These sprites are as acrobatic as chickadees.		 The golden crest on the crown bordered by two black stripes is the field mark, as well as the white bar on the wing.
The golden crest on the crown bordered by two black stripes is the field mark, as well as the white bar on the wing.		 One of the kinglets pauses a bit in the lowest branches and shadows of a shrub.
One of the kinglets pauses a bit in the lowest branches and shadows of a shrub.		 The golden crest is usually kept down, but can be raised to show emotion.
The golden crest is usually kept down, but can be raised to show emotion.
Close inspection for insects.
Close inspection for insects.		 Leaving no surface without inspection.
Leaving no surface without inspection.		 An insect spotted, and out comes the tongue.
An insect spotted, and out comes the tongue.		 Close-up of the birds tongue in action.
Close-up of the birds tongue in action.

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Guest 09-Apr-2017 02:40
These are fantastic pictures, especially given how fast they move and how small they are. It was a great essay and I learned more about the golden crowned kinglet while viewing it. Thanks you! Margaret Sprott
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