Great tips Sue, especially the catch light as that always seems to make my bird pics come alive. We really need to go out birding again soon.  I am on holidays for the next 2 weeks.

Welcome myphotclub members to Sue's Birding corner. Over time, I hope to share some birding and bird photography tips.  And if you have some ideas and tips, please share them.  As the seasons change, I will post some spots where the birding may be good. Of course, Mother Nature is unpredictable. 

To get started in birding, requires very little. Binoculars are a necessity and the choice is a personal one. How do they feel in your hands-too big or small or too heavy? Are they bright and clear enough and do they give you the magnification that you want? 

A birding guide is most beneficial. There are many available with different formats-some are photos, others have pictures. Guide books that also have range maps, habitats, and calls will help in identification. 

I subscribe to ontbirds to receive e-mails about birds. These e-mails come from all across Ontario. Be forewarned that in periods of peak migration, you will receive many. Through these e-mails, I have learned of areas to visit both near and far. It is a free service. The address is www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php. 

  

For my bird photography, I use a 200-500 lens mounted on a tripod. Carrying the camera and lens freehand can get tiring. I usually have my ISO at 400 or higher depending on the conditions. The camera is set at shutter priority in order to freeze the action.  More often than not, I use the center focusing point, with the hopes of getting the bird in focus and not the surrounding leaves. There are times, when it is possible to use the cable release to further reduce any camera shake.  I leave the lens hood on to prevent lens flare as well as protect the front of the lens as I am going through the woods. When travelling the backroads, I have my camera and bean bag handy so that I can shoot through the window. 

 

When taking an image of a bird or for that matter, any wildlife, it is important to have the eye in focus first, then the beak, the head and the rest of the bird. Also, having a highlight in the eye brings the bird to life. In the above photo, the bird(Eastern kingbird) on the left while in focus, has no highlight. On the right photo (of the same bird), a highlight appears as he tilted his head, making a more pleasing image.  

I hope that these few tips are helpful and again, post any comments or ideas that you might have.

Until the next time, I will be out birding.

Sue