Cuteness is a photograph by Gary Holmes which was uploaded on January 22nd, 2013.
Cuteness
Winner of Songbirds in Autumn contest in the Small Birds of the World group, September 2014. ... more
by Gary Holmes
Title
Cuteness
Artist
Gary Holmes
Medium
Photograph
Description
Winner of Songbirds in Autumn contest in the Small Birds of the World group, September 2014.
This male Ruby-Crowned Kinglet (Regulus calendula) is nearly dwarfed by a cluster of dried seed pods on a small tree in a marsh on Lake Conroe, Texas. To give a sense of proportion, these pods range from 2.5 to 3 inches long. Ruby-Crowned Kinglets are common residents of coniferous and mixed forests, but are not often noticed by casual observers because of their diminutive size and almost constant movement. Their bodies are only slightly larger than a hummingbird, but they are characteristically very rounded, with no apparent neck, truly balls of fluff. These are somewhat fearless birds that can be quite aggressive when defending their territory, and from my own experience, they may challenge humans who stray too close. The male typically does not show the namesake ruby crown unless it is agitated or when singing. other characteristics include the bold white eyering that is primarily in front of and behind the eye, the bold wing bars, short tail, and pale colored feet relative to the leg color.
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January 22nd, 2013
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Viewed 410 Times - Last Visitor from Beverly Hills, CA on 03/28/2024 at 5:49 AM
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Comments (16)
Karen Adams
Beautiful capture, Gary...really love the sharp focus on the bird and the blurred background....fv
Olivia Hardwicke
Congratulations on your First Place win! Not easy getting these little birdies.
Gary Holmes replied:
Olivia, thank you very much. These guys are definitely challenging because of their diminutive size and inability to stay still, but their territoriality often gets them close, and if you are lucky, they flash the red. This one gave me a bonus of an interesting background. I consider this one of my best shots.
Jai Johnson
Congratulations on winning the Songbirds in Autumn contest hosted by Small Birds of the World! If you will submit this image to the group here: http://fineartamerica.com/groups/small-birds-of-the-world.html it will be featured on the front page.
Gary Holmes replied:
Thank you, Jai, for hosting this contest and thank you to everyone who voted for my submission. This is my first FAA contest win. I am posting the photo in just a minute.
Carole Hinding
These birds are the cutest birds ever, lovely sharp focus on the bird softening in the background, very nice.
Gary Holmes replied:
Carole, thanks for the great comment. I really like kinglets, particularly because they are very challenging to capture cleanly. They are constantly on the move.
Sharon Mau
. . ╰⊰✿ . it is beautiful . . ♥ . . ✿⊱╮ . . . . . http://fineartamerica.com/groups/dimensions.html
Gary Holmes replied:
Sharon, thank you for taking the time from your many groups to comment on my photo.