The Joy of Bird Photography

Bird photography is more than just taking pictures of birds.

Yes, getting great photos of beautiful birds is a bonus, but it's also an opportunity to be outdoors, observing nature while capturing special moments that might only last a few seconds and then be gone.

One of the things I like best about bird photography is that everyday is different. You never know what birds you are going to encounter or what interesting behavior you might witness. I have visited some of the same birding places and many times I have seen different species of birds. Although most birds are territorial of a certain place, What birds you might see also depends on time of year and time of day.

A quiet walk in nature through a park, along a lake, or even in your own backyard can turn into an exciting photography adventure. While exploring an abandoned golf course I came upon this red headed woodpecker. It's not a very common backyard woodpecker and likes places that have dying trees and stubs that it can perch on easily to find food. I was visiting this abandoned golf course near my home in Sunny Florida to check on an eagle nest I monitor, so it was such a surprise to find that these beautiful red headed woodpeckers had found this location and were making nests there. Another bird I spotted at this location was an American Kestrel. I actually had both of these birds on my bird bucket list and to find them both in a place I visited frequently was such a treat and certainly turned this nature work into an exciting birding adventure.

Red Headed woodpecker

Male American Kestrel

Bird photography also teaches patience. Birds are constantly moving and if you get too close they are sure to fly away. Getting the perfect photograph can take time. First you will need a long lens. I use a 100-500 mm lens. You will also need to set your camera to a high ISO, so that you can use a higher shutter speed to sharpen your focus and reduce camera shake. I usually start with an ISO of at least 800. I often try to find a natural blind of bushes or a tree to hide me from the bird and then I wait and watch for a bird to land on the right branch or turn its head to a pleasing position to improve my final composition of the bird. I may take many photos before I get one I really love.

Lighting is also an important part of bird photography and I find early morning and late afternoon provide beautiful soft light for bird photography. These times of day can make a bird's feathers appear more colorful and detailed.

Anhinga in morning light

My favorite bird photographs are often the ones that tell a story. A bird feeding its young or catching a fish, spreading its wings, or simply resting peacefully on a branch can create a memorable image. Each photograph captures a small moment in nature that may never happen in exactly the same way.

In Mama's Embrace

For me, bird photography is not just about getting the perfect picture. It is about enjoying the experiency, spending time in nature, and capturing the beauty of birds one photograph at a time.