IMPROVING YOUR BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
First published in the March/April 2005 issue of Bird Watcher’s Digest
As I peered out beyond the tall grass from my hiding place, I could already see traces of color begin to fill the sky. The sun would be making its predictable appearance in a few minutes and I was anxious to shed the gloom and coolness of the night. With the first soft rays of light filtering through the vegetation, I could see him circling overhead. I’m careful not to move. As he swoops towards the pond on his final approach I track him through the viewfinder with my heart beating fast. The great egret pumps his wings and flares a majestic stance as he lands - and I catch it all on film.
Successfully photographing birds can be difficult even under the best of conditions. More than just being aware of migratory patterns, many species have an almost daily routine that once you can identify, it can be applied to creating better images. Once in tune with a bird’s habits, you can begin to read its body language and predict its movement. When I am in the field, I routinely see other photographers rushing up to the wildlife, only to be disappointed when their budding subjects flee and do not return. I have come to the conclusion that you are either anticipating a moment, or chasing it
In the case of the great egret, I had seen him fly to this pond many times and always at sunrise. He has a routine of flying overhead for several minutes making sure everything is quiet, then approaching from the east and landing in one of the shallow ponds close to Strawbridge Lake - a small waterway close to my home. I have tried many times to approach him after he has landed, often with poor results. This white beauty is sensitive to my advances, no matter how cautious and hidden they are. But if I am already at the water’s edge, he tolerates me so long as my movements are slow and methodical. At times he snorts a barking ‘CROAK’ sound when fending off other birds who may stray into his fishing pool, yet he recognizes me as not a threat to him or his breakfast. For this I feel privileged.
Migratory shorebirds have always held a fascination with me and living along the east coast allows me the convenience of witnessing the second largest concentration of shorebirds in the world, second only to the Copper River Delta in Alaska. Every year, during the month of May, over one million shorebirds stop on the shores of the Delaware Bay to feed on Horseshoe Crab eggs. Migrating from their South American wintering grounds to their Arctic nesting grounds, the Delaware Bay is practically the only place they rest and refuel. They arrive exhausted and starving. Gorging on horseshoe crab eggs, these birds double their body weight giving them the necessary fuel to make the next leg in their journey.
Photographing this exciting annual event can be very challenging as these shorebirds are extremely sensitive to human activity, making it difficult to create any workable photographic distance – even with telephoto lenses. Trying to approach these birds after they have landed on the beach is impossible. By doing so, you will flush them from their all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, making them expend valuable energy. The unnecessary flying and interruption of feeding could mean the difference between life and death.
Consulting a local tide chart, I start by looking for a congregation of horseshoe crabs spawning at high tide in the late evening. Picking a suitable location in the tall reeds close to the crabs, I wait for daybreak. During the course of the night, the female crabs dig a shallow nest on the beach and deposit about 4000 eggs, which are fertilized externally by the accompanying male. This is repeated over and over again until each female had laid about 80000 eggs. At first light, the birds begin to arrive by the hundreds. It’s now low tide and many of the crabs are slowly making their way back to the ocean picking a path through the frenzy of birds. Soon the beach is a moving carpet of feet and feathers. As long I am well concealed and make no sudden movements, they pay no attention to me. Witnessing this incredible phenomenon at close range is overwhelming at first. The sight and sounds given to the chaos of thousands of ruddy turnstones, red knots, dunlins, and laughing gulls gorging themselves on the blue green eggs lends itself to the commotion from the Chicago Options trading floor.
Occasionally a curious turnstone will come over to see what kind of strange creature I am, testing the minimum focus distance on my lens. When creating intimate portraits, it’s easy to see how these beautiful creatures can evoke a sense of intelligence and curiosity. This small glimpse into their life’s struggle makes all the planning and waiting worthwhile.
As with the ruddy turnstones, the american oystercatcher can also be skittish. Yet their offspring are surprisingly inquisitive and sometimes bold. Measuring the size of your thumb, these little balls of downy fluff are off the nest within hours of hatching, immediately running and foraging amongst the salt marsh grasses. Their speed and dexterity both surprises and impresses me. Pursing them is impossible, so sitting quietly along the vegetation is the best approach to getting close. With some luck, these little whirlwinds will race by you with their little legs all a blur, letting out soft PEEPS to communicate with mom and dad. With a fledging period of about 40 days, the attentive and caring parents are constantly foraging for mollusks, crustaceans and other aquatic invertebrates to keep up with junior’s hungry appetite.
One day a rambunctious juvenile came running directly towards me when at about 20 feet away, the mother let out a shrill KLEEEP. The baby stopped in its tracks and looked at me as if to ask, ‘what’s all the fuss about?’ Another KLEEEP from mom and the youngster ran in the opposite direction where both parents had some choice words for junior. I always find these birds to be a great source of amusement and it’s one of the few occasions I find myself chuckling while photographing.
When it comes to photographing canada geese, at my local lake, many of the techniques noted earlier are not necessary. These highly social birds have acclimated to the presence of people and seem to hardly notice when someone is bicycling around the lake or fishing along the bank.
Of course, they are more secretive during the mating and nesting season, making them less approachable.
To attempt photographing goslings on the nest, I always start by observing the parents building their nursery, from a safe distance. Only when the eggs are laid and the couple are well settled, do I even consider moving closer.
I then establish a routine of visiting her every morning for a few hours with the hope that with familiarity I can establish my credentials that I am not a threat. While I am there, I sit quietly keeping my movements to a minimum. Careful not to make direct eye contact, I move a little closer each day, paying careful attention to her reactions. Through her body language, I can see if I am moving too fast and need to back off. I’m also careful not to stress the nearby male who may swim near me to better evaluate what my intentions are. It’s a good sign when I see him go back to feeding. After about 2 weeks, I’m able to sit 30 feet away with her hardly noticing my presence. The ultimate compliment comes when she feels comfortable enough to tuck her head into her folded wings and fall asleep.
During incubation the female will rarely leave the nest. I admire her diligence and patience as I watch her drink the early morning dew off her back rather than leave the nest to drink from the lake. Catching that pinnacle moment when she decides to move her young off the nest and to the water for the first time can require patience that borders on insanity. Knowing the average incubation helps to narrow down the waiting time, yet it can still mean several days in a row of patient observing. When the moment finally arrives, don’t blink because as soon as all the yellow balls of fluff have hatched, the mother wastes no time in coaxing her new family off the nest and onto the water.
Every species of bird has its own unique set of behavioral characteristics. Experiencing first hand what they are by close observation, your birding experiences can be more insightful and enjoyable. By being a better naturalist, your photography will be greatly improved as well as your understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Good Hunting!
Top Five Photo Tips
1. Pick situations where the birds are focused on feeding or courtship. They maybe less likely to notice you during these times.
2. Do your research. Learn about your subject’s behavioral traits before leaving the house.
3. When stalking, never move directly toward your subject. Move in a zig-zag pattern. Watch for signs you are stressing the bird.
4. Use Telephoto lenses. Long focal lengths are a necessity in creating a working distance to allow your feathered friend to feel more comfortable.
5. Visit your local birding spots often – use the convenience of nearby areas to help identify predictable behavioral patterns.
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