Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 65 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 90 mm | 135 mm | 60 mm | 45 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 179 mm | 269 mm | 120 mm | 90 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 269 mm | 404 mm | 179 mm | 135 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 359 mm | 539 mm | 239 mm | 179 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 538 mm | 808 mm | 359 mm | 269 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 897 mm | 1,347 mm | 598 mm | 449 mm |
About the Limpkin#
The limpkin (Aramus guarauna), also called carrao, courlan, and crying bird, is a bird that looks like a large rail but is skeletally closer to cranes. It is the only extant species in the genus Aramus and the family Aramidae. It is found mostly in wetlands in warm parts of the Americas, from Florida to northern Argentina.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Feeds on apple snails along Florida waterways.
- Herons and egrets stand still for long periods — wait for the strike or take-off and use continuous AF.
- Sightings peak in January, February, March, April and May, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Limpkin?
At about 65 cm long, a limpkin fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 179 mm, or at 20 m with 359 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Limpkin?
1/500 s when it's still; 1/2000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Limpkin?
Observations in North America peak in January, February, March, April and May. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources