skip to main content

Nature Photography & Optics

Bird photography?

6 years ago

Am interested in other's choices for bird photography, both static (birds on limb, feeder, etc.) and flying, in motion, on nest, etc.? Preferred camera? Lens or lenses preferred? Other subjects for consideration: Do you put up feeders to draw birds to your yard for more picture opportunities? Carry a camera (even a little pocket p&s) everywhere you go just on the off chance there is a good opportunity for another image?

Just anything or everything about your bird photography that you care to share in the interest of getting a thread on the subject going... Show an image or two if you like. No photo guru here but still like to converse about the subject and thought others might like to do the same.

Me: Although I tend to do it more nowadays in starts and stops, I usually shoot with a Canon 5DIII or Canon 7D and Canon 100-400mm Mark II lens. I have a couple of aftermarket lenses that are longer but just not as satisfied with the quality of images out of them. Shoot on tripod with gimble head if shooting on my patio but otherwise, it's pretty much handheld once I leave the house.

What say you?

Featured Answer

User

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

I have a $10 point and shoot I took THESE photos with. It's NOT the camera man....it's the CAMERA MAN!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Fixed focal length lenses produces a higher quality photo IMO. 600mm
0
juanital
3 years ago
@TXSkeeter I shoot mostly with Nikon 70-300vr. With that lens I handhold. When i use Tamron 200-500 I use a tripod & ball and setup to be ready to shoot on the spot where ever the birds or butterflies be. I usually have to crop in post processing with whatever lens I have to get a close up view of bird. A prime lens would be awesome but out of reach. Im a hobby shooter. Bluebirds are my favorite as I use to be a bb landlord & they frequent my yard space. Others do come by but not as much as when we had bird feeder setup.
0
Related Discussions
Winter Bird Photos
Q
Comments (10)
Hi all, We're always glad when our friends enjoy our birds too. That's why we post them. :) Angie - We do often see our mating pairs together (the Red-bellies, Cardinals, Bluebirds, and many other species), but you're right... it's fairly rare to get a decent shot with both in the frame at once. The Carolina Wren is enjoying scrambled egg in that shot. The CAWR and Bluebirds are our best egg customers, but Cardinals take some too quite often. Our Yellow-rumped Warblers are here all Winter and for awhile in the Spring, and we only see a couple or three individual birds. They have been noticeably bolder this year and have been tiny terrors with the Chickadees and Juncos especially... but harmless really and lots of fun to watch. charlee_mo - I think the habitat is all-important for attracting many species. Water (especially liquid water in Winter), food (of various kinds, both served and from natural sources), and trees for roosting, nesting, and cover. And of course, watching a lot is often key to seeing them all. Some birds are more secretive than others, and I believe most of us have birds we rarely see. We spend a great deal of time outside with them and most of our regulars have become somewhat accustomed to our being in their midst. But we also have several elusive ones which we hear much more often than we see. :) Thanks again for all your nice comments, we'll be back. Kenn
...See More
It's Been A While
Q
Comments (5)
Nice variety - I especially like the BG in the bluebird photo. Looks like everyone is busy with nest building! -- Liz Stanley Bloomington, MN Backyard weather and feedercam: http://www.overlookcircle.org Photo gallery: http://www.pbase.com/gymell/liz_favorites
...See More
Would anyone know about Photo Transfer?
Q
Comments (4)
I know that Walmart can take your digital photos and make then into puzzles. If you have the digital photos your friend took, you can order them made up. I use Walmart for their one-hour digital photo processing, I can upload my digi photos and then I get a text message that they're ready. Try other photo processing sites like Shutterfly also. I'm not aware of a way to make your own. Sounds like it'd be a fun and unique gift for your friend. Oops....looks like Beagles and I posted at the same time! This post was edited by pesky1 on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 23:54
...See More
TO; Oldcraftys husband - you rock!!
Q
Comments (1)
OK...looks like this can go away now.
...See More
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@juanital...great comp....but....there's no feather detail. It's not crisp. Hand held....yes...I see that.
0
juanital
3 years ago
@User it is only a 70-300vr. not an expensive prime lens. I love bb's and regardless it's a nice capture! Thanks though for your valuable input.
0
juanital
3 years ago
Yes indeed, @Rikki Smith and @User. Have gotten some very nice images with a p&s before!
0
User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
@Rikki Smith.....I like money too much to become a photographer. ha ha Wedding photographers make a good living. yuck. I'm not trying to become anything. Photography is a hobby for me.
0

Related Stories

COMMUNITY Get a Bird's-Eye View of America's Housing Patterns

See the big picture of how suburban developments are changing the country's landscape, with aerial photos and ideas for the future

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Go Owling in October

By Habitat Network

These stealthy nocturnal hunters fill North American skies with their quiet wings and distinct calls

GARDENING GUIDES 13 North American Backyard Birds to Know

By Annie Thornton

Find out about these enchanting native species and learn how to attract them to your yard

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

HOME TECH A Bird Photo Booth for Your Backyard

Catch a glimpse of nature's secret life or literally watch the grass grow. These cameras make it possible

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: Theater and Photography Take Center Stage in Rome

By Paolo Fusco Photo

Collections of drama books, photos, CDs and records reflect the apartment owners’ artistic passions

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: The Wonder of Warblers

By Habitat Network

These small, dynamic birds call North America home, with the yellow-rumped warbler flocking to every U.S. state

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Healthy Home Habitats for Northern Flickers

By Habitat Network

These colorful woodpeckers found across the U.S. and Canada love berries, seeds and ants and often nest in deep burrows in trees

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

Sponsored