Blue-headed Sapphire by Adam Rainoff Via Flickr: High in the Andean foothills at Mirador Barlovento above Pradera, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, I photographed this striking male Blue-headed Sapphire (Chrysuronia grayi) in clean profile on a vibrant green stem during soft late-afternoon light. The bird’s head glows with intense violet-blue iridescence that flows beautifully into rich emerald-green across the back and wings, while his long coral-red bill creates a bold graphic line. The dark body and subtle white undertail provide excellent contrast against the smooth forest bokeh. Working handheld with the Canon R5 and RF 100-500mm at 500mm, I chose 1/350 second at f/6.7 and ISO 800 to balance motion control with clean files and pleasing subject separation at a respectful distance. The combination delivered the sharpness and color fidelity I was hoping for in these transitional light conditions. A beautiful example of one of Colombia’s more localized hummingbirds and the rich biodiversity of the western Andes. ©2026 Adam Rainoff Photographer
