Bird Photography - How to 'Catch' Them

Birds have been one of the greatest subject forany wildlife, it is a good thing to remember not to
photographers for centuries now because theyput ourselves or the birds around us in any kind
have an inspiring beauty and mystify us with theirof danger.
gift of flight and diversity.Here are some good books on the subject:
When it comes to photographing birds and theirSterling Publishing Book: Bird Photography
behavior, catching it on 'film' will add a tremendousThe Art of Bird Photography II by Arthur Morris
visual impact and feeling to any picture. There areDigital Nature Photography: The Art and the
different locations where birds gather, but reallyScience
the best place you may what to start is yourThe BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature
backyard. The thing about birds is that they arePhotography (BetterPhoto Series)
busy little bodies and a bird feeder in theAnd some equipment:
backyard is a great place to get a picture whenNatureScapes Skimmer Ground Pod II, for
they are feeding or even the bird in the airGround Level Bird & Wildlife Photography
getting ready to pounce one of the birds that isThe Skimmer is the ultimate support for
currently feeding.ground-level bird and wildlife photography. Made
When you venture out of your backyard to lookwith super heavy duty reinforced crush-proof
for birds to photograph your vehicle may justinjection molded plastic it isrugged yet lightweight,
become your newest piece of equipment. Birdsweighing less than 15oz. With a unique circular
see our cars less of a threat then a persondesign, it allows you to slide camera equipment in
carrying a long lens underneath their arm. Aany direction on the ground, even through mud,
vehicle makes for a great blind and along with thissand, and grass. And your equipment stays clean
patience is a virtue. When you find a location suchand dry, even in upto an inch and a half of water!
as a prime feeding ground, park a bit of a waysApproximately 10" in diameter and 1.5" high, the
from it and stop your engine to cut down onSkimmer's flat bottom allows itto slide and pan
noise that may scare them.easily along the beach or mud without scooping up
Standard,wide-angle and short zoom lenses canearth, protecting equipment from grit and
be used for photographing birds, but for seriousmoisture. The sides are turned out slightly to push
bird photography, a quality 500 mm or 600 mmsand and mud out and away, helping to keep
telephoto lens is ideal.debris from coming over the top. A protected
Please keep in mind to avoid any situation thatarea inside the plate can even be used to store
can put stress on the birds and their surroundings.teleconverters, extension tubes, and other
If you notice a bird that is starting to show anyincidentals for quick access while shooting. The
kind of stress, this means that there is a nest orSkimmer was designed by photographers for
chicks near by. Any further picture taking shouldphotographers to meet their rigorous demands in
be disengaged and you should leave thethe field.
immediate area. As a photographer of birds or