Bird Photography

 

Photographing birds is an extremely challenging but rewarding endeavor. All the rules of lighting, composition, and proximity to make a good photograph apply, but quite often the subject doesn't cooperate. At times you'll be lucky just to get an image, let alone a portrait. Some birds never stop moving, some always stay behind branches, some skulk around in the deep grass, and most are wary of people, especially photographers. But that only makes it more exciting and satisfying - the bird photographer must also be the hunter and the stalker and the successful photograph is the ultimate trophy.

 

Since most birds are wary, large telephoto lenses are required. A standard setup usually includes a 500 or 600 mm f4 prime lens with a 1.4x extender which means you'll also need a tripod and ballhead. I use a Sigma 300 - 800 mm which doesn't have VR (or IS), is too heavy (13.5 lbs), and isn't as sharp or fast as a prime lens. However, it was considerably cheaper than a prime, and it does zoom. If you can afford it, a 300 or 400 mm f2.8 lens with a 2x extender would be quite decent and great for handheld shots - flight shots in particular.

 

There are situations where you can get close to birds and the easiest is at backyard feeders or any other places like parks where birds are fed. Quite often the birds become quite tame and easy to photograph. Backyard feeders not only provide proximity, but also allow you to control the environment. For example, you can select some nice moss-covered branches for perches, and arrange it so the light is at your back. Having the feeders close to the house allows you to use the house as a blind. Blinds are another excellent strategy especially close to where birds congregate to feed or drink. Using your car as a blind also works well especially when birds are encountered while driving.

 

My favorite birding locations around Nanaimo are Buttertubs Marsh, Nanaimo River estuary, and Holden Creek. Buttertubs is good all year, but my favorite bird ther is the Bullock's Oriole that shows up every spring around the end of April. The Nanaimo River Estuary down Raines Road is best during the spring and fall migration. Holden Creek (the eastern part of the Nanaimo estuary) is great for shorebirds from July to Sept. North of Nanaimo my favorite three locations are French Creek (creek, marina, and bay), Qualicum (waterfront), and Deep Bay (spit). In Victoria, I always check Clover Point and Esquimalt Lagoon.

 

An excellent reference for beginning bird photographers is http://naturespicsonline.com by Al and Elaine Wilson in Coquitlam. For examples of good bird photography, check out http://timzphotography.com (Victoria), http://calvorn.com (New York), and http://alanmurphyphotography.com (Texas). 

 

Just a word of caution before you try bird photography - it can become addictive.