The Elusive Jewel: Photographing the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet at Point Pelee National Park

As a bird photographer and workshop leader, few places on Earth are as magical as Point Pelee National Park during spring migration. And among the countless avian jewels that pass through this birding mecca, one tiny dynamo consistently presents immense challenge and reward: the Ruby-crowned Kinglet.

I've just wrapped up another incredible "Songbirds of Pelee" workshop, and as always, the kinglets were a significant topic of conversation – and often, a source of frustration! These little bundles of energy, barely larger than a hummingbird, are constantly in motion. They flit, hop, and dart through the foliage with a seemingly endless supply of caffeine. One moment, they're there; the next, they've vanished, only to reappear a few feet away, meticulously gleaning insects from every crevice.

This constant movement is precisely what makes them so incredibly difficult to photograph. You need fast shutter speeds, quick reflexes, and a healthy dose of patience. Just when you think you've got them in your viewfinder, they've moved on. It's a dance of anticipation and split-second decisions, and every sharp shot feels like a hard-won victory.

I always emphasize an ethical and respectful approach to bird photography during my workshops, especially during migration. We are keenly aware that these birds are expending tremendous energy on their incredible journeys. Therefore, our philosophy is firmly rooted in documenting their lives as they naturally unfold, without any intervention. This means we never use setups. There's no food, no water drip or bird bath, no artificial perches, and no callback to attract them to a "designed" scene.

Our goal is to be observers, to capture the raw beauty and resilience of these creatures as they fuel up and rest before continuing their arduous migrations. We rely on our field skills, understanding of bird behaviour, and ability to anticipate their movements in their natural habitat. When you finally capture that elusive Ruby-crowned Kinglet, perhaps with a hint of that fiery crown peeking through, you know it's a genuine moment, a testament to the bird's natural behaviour and your perseverance.

And what a feeling it is to get that shot! That tiny, bright ruby patch, often hidden, is a testament to their vibrant life force. Photographing the Ruby-crowned Kinglet at Point Pelee isn't just about getting a good image; it's about connecting with the sheer determination of these incredible migrants and appreciating the wild beauty of their journey. It's a humbling reminder of the delicate balance of nature and our role in respecting it.

You know the challenge if you've ever tried photographing these little gems. But for those of us who love it, it's a challenge we eagerly embrace, year after year, here in the avian paradise that is Point Pelee.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula, Roitelet à couronne rubis, Reyezuelo rubí, RCKI). From my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop, May 2025, at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @720mm ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Cerulean Warbler from Point Pelee

Despite the heavy rain on May 4th at Point Pelee, I found peace in the quiet solitude and the rhythmic sound of the heavy rain on my hood as I scouted for my Sony Photo Walks that would start the next day. This stunning Cerulean Warbler, usually a high-canopy dweller, rewarded my patience shortly after the rain stopped. It's incredibly vibrant colours reminded me of Fuji Velvia film from the 1990s and my old Nikon FM II camera, which I had bought from a long-time Montreal Gazette photojournalist, Allen McInnis. The intense downpour had surprisingly brought this high-foraging bird down to eye level in search of insects to refuel after a long migration. My new favourite lens, the portable and hand-holdable Sony 400-800mm zoom, allowed me the freedom to quickly move and find an unobstructed view through the early spring foliage.

This endangered and brightly coloured warbler makes an incredible journey to the cloud forests of South America, a habitat increasingly threatened by deforestation. This close encounter emphasized the crucial importance of protected areas like Point Pelee for the survival of these long-distance migrants. That rainy morning provided more than just a photograph; it highlighted the delicate beauty of this species and the urgent need to protect its habitat across continents. The peaceful solitude and the jewel-toned bird were a powerful reminder of nature's resilience and the unexpected treasures it can offer.

Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea, Paruline azurée, Reinita cerúlea, CERW). May 4, 2025, while scouting for my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Swainson's Thrush in First Light at Point Pelee

Our mornings during my Songbirds of Pelee workshop begin before the sun even thinks about waking and painting the eastern horizon with golden light. After a short tram ride to the tip, we navigate the quiet paths, the air thick with the promise of new arrivals. The dawn chorus is just beginning to build, a symphony of unseen voices. And then, perhaps a subtle, fluting call cuts through the other sounds – the telltale sign of a Swainson's Thrush nearby.

More often than not, the bird remains a phantom, its presence only betrayed by its melodic song. But the challenge isn't just in seeing the thrush; it's in finding that magical combination of factors that allows for a photograph. The light, still soft and golden from the rising sun, must penetrate the foliage layers just so. The bird needs to perch, even for a fleeting second, in a spot that offers a relatively unobstructed view. And then, of course, there's the angle of view, the bird's pose and the direction of light – maneuvering ourselves to photograph the bird without disturbing it, ensuring the light graces its features in the most flattering way.

There are moments of intense focus, heartbeats suspended as a potential shot aligns, only to be thwarted by a shift in the bird's position or a stray leaf or branch stubbornly obscuring the view. These near misses are part of the adventure, the moments that make the eventual success all the more rewarding.

And when it finally happens – that moment when the Swainson's Thrush pauses on a decent perch, bathed in the soft glow of first light, with a clean enough line of sight, with a flattering pose and angle…and a catchlight in the eye – it's pure magic. The click of the shutter feels significant, a small victory hard-earned: We learn the patience of a hunter, the art of observation and the importance of tenacity.

Did you know that the Swainson's Thrush undertakes truly epic nocturnal migrations, sometimes flying thousands of kilometres? Even more fascinating is that they primarily navigate using celestial cues – the stars – to guide their journey across continents. Imagine this small, elusive bird using the vastness of the night sky as its map!

If the magic of a Pelee dawn chorus and the rewarding challenge of capturing these fleeting beauties during migration resonates with you, perhaps you're ready to experience it firsthand. Our Songbirds of Pelee workshop offers an immersive opportunity to learn the art of bird photography in one of North America's premier migration hotspots. Click here to visit our workshop page, explore upcoming dates, and discover how you can join us on the tip as the sun rises, chasing those unforgettable moments with the songbirds of Pelee.

Swainson’s Thrush (Catharus ustulatus, Grive à dos olive, Zorzalito quemado, SWTH). From my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 5,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Point Pelee Vesper Sparrow

The day before my Sony photo walks began (May 4, 2025), while scouting the tip of Point Pelee National Park, I bumped into old friends John Reaume and Scott Fairbairn. We were making our way towards the tip tram stop when we noticed a cluster of photographers lying prone on the wet gravel parking lot. Naturally, we went to investigate what had captured their attention.

Migration at Point Pelee always promises exciting avian encounters, but this year delivered a particularly special treat: a Vesper Sparrow. Commonly seen by avid birders at Point Pelee, it was a rare opportunity to photograph one out in the open; they are usually found in open grassy areas, making it difficult to get a clear, unobstructed view through the lens.

Capturing this image required a bit of strategic maneuvering. This Vesper Sparrow preferred to stay in front of the cement parking curbs placed to define the edge of the parking spots. It would flit and run between these concrete dividers, almost as if following an invisible pathway, never stopping in front of a decent natural-looking background.

To get the low angle I desired and isolate the bird against the greenery, I carefully positioned myself, holding my camera just off the ground by the lens foot of my new Sony 400-800mm zoom rotated to the top, the articulating rear LCD of my Sony a9 III proved invaluable, allowing me to comfortably compose the shot without lying prone on the wet gravel, unlike some other photographers we had encountered.

It's crucial to remember that while the desire to photograph these beautiful migrants is strong, our priority must always be their well-being. Finding and photographing them ethically during this critical period is paramount, ensuring we observe without causing any disturbance to their vital journey. This rare sighting is a gentle reminder of the delicate beauty that passes through places like Point Pelee and the importance of responsible nature photography.

Vesper Sparrow Running (Pooecetes gramineus, Bruant vespéral, Chingolo coliblanco, VESP). From my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop on May 8, 2025, at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 20,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

A Golden Glimpse of Pink Amidst the Storm: Roseate Spoonbill Cover Image

The first day (April 8) of the second Florida Workshop certainly threw us a curveball! Mother Nature decided to put on a dramatic show: It rained, the wind howled, and the sky crackled with thunder and lightning. Not exactly ideal conditions for Osprey photography from an open, aluminum pontoon boat in a lake!

Undeterred, we pivoted and made our way to the Roseate Spoonbill rookery, hoping for a break in the weather. As they say, patience is a virtue, especially for wildlife photographers. For a good portion of our time there, the skies remained stubbornly grey, the air thick with humidity.

But then the clouds parted. A glorious golden light bathed the scene for just a few fleeting moments: The kind of light that transformed the ordinary into the extraordinary, painting the lush green foliage in warm hues and illuminating the delicate pink of the Roseate Spoonbills.

And that's when Mother Nature offered her prize – a reward for those who had braved the weather and remained vigilant. In that brief window of golden light, the rookery came alive. It was a breathtaking spectacle, a reminder that even amidst the harshest conditions, beauty can emerge if you are simply present and ready to witness it.

This image, captured during that precious interlude, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the unexpected gifts that nature can bestow. It wasn't the day we had initially envisioned, but it was truly memorable, filled with the raw energy of a storm and the delicate beauty of the Spoonbills bathed in golden light. Sometimes, the most rewarding moments are the ones you least expect.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in Dramatic First Light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 4, 2025, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 3,200, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Red-shouldered Hawk and the freedom of the new Sony 400-800mm Zoom lens

Huge thanks to my eagle-eyed friend and workshop regular, Susan A., for spotting this magnificent red-shouldered hawk! Her sharp observation made this incredible shot possible.

As I mentioned in my last blog post (Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida), I've been rocking a minimalist setup during my Florida workshops: the ever-reliable Sony α9 Mark III and the seriously impressive new Sony 400-800 mm zoom. Let me tell you, this duo is a dream!

What truly impresses me is the seamless transition it allows – from capturing the wider environment to a tight, detailed portrait while maintaining exceptional balance in hand and, most importantly, uncompromising sharpness. This adaptability transforms challenges into opportunities in the unpredictable world of avian photography.

When it comes down to it, the ultimate test is sharpness. The Sony Zoom has genuinely blown me away. The exquisite detail in the hawk's plumage and the raw power in its gaze are testaments to the optical mastery within this lens.

Read my mini-review of the new zoom lens here: FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS Mini-review. Is this the "Holy Grail" for bird photography? by Christopher Dodds

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus, Buse à épaulettes, Busardo de hombro rojo, RSHA). April 5, 2025, during my Ospreys Galore Workshop Lake Blue Cypress near Vero Beach, Florida, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Less is More: Finding Freedom with only the Sony a9 III and 400-800mm in Florida

I am live and buzzing in the Florida sunshine, ready for the start of my Ospreys Galore Workshop tomorrow! I just landed yesterday, and this morning, I was out before the sun rose and the dew fully lifted. And let me tell you, the light? Absolutely glorious. The wind? Just a whisper, and in the perfect direction. And the subjects? Spectacular roseate spoonbills. Pink perfection against the early morning glow.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in spectacular first light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 4, 2025, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @400mm ISO 4,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image

I made a rather deliberate choice for this trip: JUST the revolutionary Sony a9 III and the brand-spankin'-new Sony FE 400–800 mm F6.3–8 G OSS. Just one incredible camera body and one incredible zoom lens. And after this morning’s session, any lingering doubt I might have had has completely vanished.

Getting here was a breeze, literally. Travelling with a single, lightweight, small camera bag (an 18-litre bag with room to spare) felt unbelievably liberating. No more juggling multiple cases, no more strategic repacking in airport security. It was a refreshing reminder that less truly can be more, even before you click the shutter.

But this morning… this morning was the real confirmation. Those spoonbills, with their vibrant plumage and elegant movements, were simply breathtaking. And having the reach and versatility of that 400-800mm lens allowed me to capture them in ways I could only have dreamed of with a more restrictive setup. Whether I was framing a tight portrait of their unique bill or capturing a closer scene of them landing directly toward me, the camera and lens delivered. And the a9 III’s speed and responsiveness? It’s like the camera anticipates the action.

There’s a certain joy in simplifying your tools. You become more attuned to your surroundings and more focused on the moment. You’re not fumbling through a bag of lenses, second-guessing your choices. You’re present, you’re ready, and you’re making the most of the gear you have.

Seeing those spoonbills in that perfect light, knowing I had the right tool for the job, was pure magic. This single-lens approach isn’t a limitation; it’s a focused freedom. And after such a spectacular start, I’m even more excited to see what the rest of my Florida adventure holds. Stay tuned!

Common Raven Firesky Shilouette

Ah, Raven! That feathered fiend, that sly sky-pirate of pranks! Forget your garden-variety trickster; Raven doesn't just pull a fast one; they orchestrate elaborate, gravity-defying, giggle-inducing spectacles! Picture this: a perfectly normal Tuesday, then poof! Suddenly, the sun's wearing a monocle, fish are singing opera, and your shoes are inexplicably filled with feathers. With a wink and a cackle, Raven dances through the chaos, a master of metamorphosis, turning the world into their personal, delightfully absurd playground. They're not just mischievous; they're a whirlwind of whimsical transformations, leaving everyone wondering if reality itself has joined the April Fool's festivities.

Common Raven Firesky Silhouette (Corvus corax, Grand corbeau, CORA). Quebec, Canada, while testing the new Sony 400-800mm zoom lens. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @800mm ISO 3,200, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.

Roseate Spoonbill pretty in Pink

A Roseate Spoonbill lands directly in front of me during my recent Ospreys Galore Workshop (and so much more) in Florida.

One of the most spectacularly beautiful large wading birds is the roseate spoonbill, a resident of the Gulf Coast from east Texas to southern Florida. Named for its bright pink plumage and long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, the bird feeds in a manner all its own. It swings its extremely sensitive bill from side to side in shallow water, snapping it shut on small fish, shrimp, and insects that it detects by touch.

Like other members of the ibis family, roseate spoonbills are usually found in flocks. The birds nest in colonies among shrubs and mangroves, often sharing island rookeries with herons, egrets, and other waders. Spoonbills fly in long lines at dusk, their slender necks extended as they head to their roosts.

Roseate Spoonbill landing in spectacular light (Platalea ajaja, Spatule rosée, ROSP) from my OSPREYS GALORE WORKSHOP at Stick Marsh in Fellsmere, Florida ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm. ISO 1,600, f/4 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure.Full frame image.

Snowy Owl

Here is a Snowy Owl from a recent private Snowy Owl Photo Tour. Snowy Owls and snow have been in short supply this winter in southeast Canada, and this beauty showed up more than two months late!

I used the new Sony a9 III paired with my Sony 200-600mm zoom lens. Although we were close and using the van as a blind, I never got to photograph it blasting off as planned because it sat there until dark. It looks somewhat alert after being dive-bombed by a raven.

Snowy Owl (Bubo scandiacus, Harfang des Neiges, SNOW) from a recent private Winter Snowy Owl Photo Tour in Canada. Image Copyright 2024 ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens @200mm. ISO 400 @ 1/2,000s f/5.6. Full frame image.