The Little King

A goldcrest (Regulus regulus) rests on a lichen-covered branch among bare twigs. Its delicate olive-green plumage, pale face and distinctive wing markings blend naturally with the… Expand

The Little King

A goldcrest (Regulus regulus) rests on a lichen-covered branch among bare twigs. Its delicate olive-green plumage, pale face and distinctive wing markings blend naturally with the muted woodland surroundings. A quiet portrait of Europe's smallest bird.

EXIF Canon EOS 90D EF100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS USM 400 mm 1600 1/2000 s f/5.6 2025-01-17 12:17
As far as I know, this was the first goldcrest I had ever seen; until then, I had not even known the species existed. I encountered it at Hofsnäs in Tranemo Municipality on an overcast January day. That sense of discovery is a large part of what I enjoy about photographing birds: there is always something new to notice and learn.